Self-directed learning (SDL) involves learners taking initiative and responsibility for their own learning. The document defines SDL and describes its importance for lifelong learning. It outlines stages of SDL including dependent, interested, and self-directed stages. SDL has advantages for medical education as medical knowledge evolves, requiring doctors to continually learn. Problem-based learning is an example of how SDL can be integrated in medical curricula by having students identify learning needs to solve presented problems.

1. Dr Samina Ausvi
Associate Professor
Community Medicine

2. Learning Objectives
 At the end of the session you should be able to-
 Define Self Directed Learning (SDL)
 Describe Stages of SDL
 know Advantages & limitations of SDL
 Know the application of SDL in medical education

3. “The hardest thing to put into the mind of the
beginner is that , the education upon which he is
engaged is . . . a life course, for which the work of
a few years under teachers is a preparation.”

4.  Cyril Houle played key role in the development of
self-directed learning as an area of research.
 He did this in two ways:
 (a) through the publication of his classic work,” The
Inquiring Mind”
 (b) through the influence of two of his doctoral
graduates: Allen Tough and Malcolm Knowles.

5.  Three years later, Knowles’ (1975) own book,
Self-Directed Learning: A Guide for Teachers and
Learners, was published.

6. Definition of Self Directed Learning
In 1975, Malcolm Knowles defined self-directed learning as
“A process in which individuals take initiative, with or
without the help of others, in diagnosing their own learning
needs, formulating goals, identifying human and material
resources for learning, choosing and implementing
appropriate learning strategies and evaluating learning
outcomes.”

7. Importance of Self-Directed Learning
 Self-directed learning has gained importance in
recent times as a critical attribute for lifelong learning
in order to survive in an environment profoundly
influenced by economic, technology and social
changes. (Drucker, 1995, as cited in Warner, 2000)
 Knowles predicts that by year 2020, all learning will
be based on principles of self-directed learning.
(Knowles, 1980, as cited in Warner, 2000)

10. Stages of SDL
Stage
s
Student Teacher Examples
1 Dependent Authority
Coach
Coaching with the immediate
feedback, drill informational
lecture
Overcoming deficiencies and
resistance
2 Interested Motivator
Guide
Inspiring lectures, guided
discussion , goal setting and
learning strategies
3 Involved Facilitator Discussion facilitates by
teacher who participates as
equal, seminar, group projects
4 Self directed Consultant
Delegator
Internship, dissertation ,
individual work, self directed
study group

11. THE 4 TIERS OF SELF DIRECTED LEARNING
 Tier I. Learning by Preparing:
Exploring interests, extending knowledge, creating
ideas, envisioning possibilities.
 Tier II. Learning by Doing:
Conducting activities, developing skills, overcoming
obstacles, achieving goals.

12.  Tier III. Learning by Reflecting on Doing:
recording project history, analyzing the
process employed, reflecting on personal
performance, assessing success.
 Tier IV. Learning by Moving Forward:
Celebrating success. Considering “Where am I
now?” Imagining possible futures. Selecting
personal and process features to develop,
Moving forward.

13. SDL in Medical Education
 WHY ?
 How ?
 What ?

14. Why ?
Knowledge that medical students acquire at
college may become obsolete when they join for
medical practice.
 Medical students are likely to work in different
contexts during their professional career.
 Doctors thus need to keep learning and engaging
in continuing education.

15.  Change in a student’s role from passive to active
learner.
 Thus the centre of gravity in education moved from
the teacher to student.

16. How ?
 Integrate basic and clinical disciplines
• Students to meet patients early
 Small group teaching
 Problem based learning

17. Problem –Based Learning (PBL)
 Have you been teaching your students using
this?????
 Answer-----NO
 Students identify what they need to learn
 Students learn what they have identified
 Students then use the newly acquired knowledge to
solve the problem

18. How ?
 Optional strategies you can use for doing this:
 ( ask them to come to you only when they want help).
 Individually (preferably, before classes start)- to study a
topic on their own.
 Small groups - to pursue the topic independently as
teams.
 All of a given group - students to pursue the specified
subject.

19. Hybrid PBL Model for AETCOM cases

20. What ?

21. Learning steps by self directed
learner

24. Factors Determining The Level of
Readiness for SDL
 1. Openness to learning opportunities.
 2. Self-concept as an effective learner.
 3. Initiative and independence in learning.
 4. Acceptance of responsibility for one’s own
learning.

25.  5. Love for learning.
 6. Creativity
 7. Positive orientation to the future.
 8. Ability to use basic study skills and problem
solving skills.

27. ADVANTAGES OF SELF DIRECTED
LEARNING
 Allows learners to be more effective learners and
social beings.
 Self-directed learners will be curious and willing to
try new things.
 They will view problems as challenges, desire
change and enjoy learning

28.  Will be motivated and persistent, independent, self-
disciplined, self-confident and goal-oriented.
 Will demonstrate a greater awareness of their
responsibility in learning and monitoring themselves.
 Will develop their own rules and leadership patterns.

29. DISADVANTAGES
 Possible for frequent errors.
 Self directed learning is quite time consuming.
 It needs an organized manner of planning

30. Self Directed Learning Self Determined Learning
(Heutagogy )
Andragogical Heutagogical
Content focused Process focused
Instructor & Learner
coordinated
Learner directed
Linear learning design Non linear learning design
Competancy development Capability development