Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process | Learn anytime | Learn Anywhere | Unlearn | Relearn

Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process

Learning independently can be challenging, even for the brightest and most motivated students. As a means of better understanding the processes involved in this mode of study, this learning Tip outlines key components of four key stages to independent learning, known as self-directed learning: being ready to learn, setting learning goals, engaging in the learning process, and evaluating learning.

Step 1: Assess readiness to learn

You need various skills and attitudes towards learning for successful independent study. This step involves students conducting a self-evaluation of their current situation, study habits, family situation, and support network both at school and at home and also involves evaluating past experiences with independent learning. Signs of readiness for self-directed learning include being autonomous, organised, self-disciplined, able to communicate effectively, and able to accept constructive feedback and engage in self-evaluation and self-reflection.

Step 2: Set learning goals

Learning generally include:

• Goals for the unit of study
• Structure and sequence of activities
• Timeline for completion of activities
• Details about resource materials for each goal
• Details about grading procedures
• Evaluation as each goal is completed
• Once created, should assess by questions about feasibility should be raised (e.g., What could go wrong? Is there too much or too little work? Is the timeline and evaluation reasonable?).

Step 3: Engage in the learning process

You need to understand as learners in order to understand the needs as self-directed learning. You should also consider answering the following questions:

• What are my needs re: methods?
• What did I do that was different from others? 

• A deep approach to studying involves transformation and is ideal for self-directed learning. This approach is about understanding ideas for yourself, applying knowledge to new situations and using novel examples to explain a concept, and learning more than is required for unit completion.
• A surface approach involves reproduction: coping with unit requirements, learning only what is required to complete a unit in good standing, and tending to regurgitate examples and explanations used in readings.
• A strategic approach involves organization: achieving the highest possible grades, learning what is required to pass exams, memorizing facts, and spending time practicing from past exams.

Step 4: Evaluate learning

To be successful in self-directed learning, they must be able to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation of their learning goals and progress. To support this self-evaluation process, you should:

• engage in reflection of their achievements, which involves asking:
  • How do I know I’ve learned?
  • Am I flexible in adapting and applying knowledge?
  • Do I have confidence in explaining material?
  • When do I know I’ve learned enough?

Responsibilities in the four-step process

Successful independent study requires certain responsibilities or roles of both students and advising faculty members. The following is a brief list of the more important roles. 

Learners’ roles

• Self-assess your readiness to learn
• Define your learning goals and develop a learning contract
• Monitor your learning process
• Take initiative for all stages of the learning process — be self-motivated 
• Re-evaluate and alter goals as required during your unit of study