This paper details the design and development of a self-directed character education program based on the Aims of a BYU Education. Specifically, the program was intended to meet the following objectives: (a) increase student awareness of the BYU Aims, (b) provide opportunities for students to recognize and understand principles of good character, (c) engage students in enriching application of character values, and (d) lay the foundation for lifelong learning, service, and good character. The design process followed a modified systematic approach and resulted with a pilot trial of the BYU Aims Program. The selection of design model, preliminary analyses, and formative evaluation appear to have particularly contributed to the success of the pilot. While participant feedback did suggest that involvement in the pilot helped participants meet the intended objectives, the program suffered a high participant attrition rate over the course of pilot. Participant feedback also suggested that modifications to program delivery, interface, and duration and requirements of challenge activities would be necessary to improve or maintain participant engagement in future iterations of the program.

Thesis advisor: Michael Russell / SDL is an important life-long learning skill. Current research on SDL has approached it both as a set of skills students develop and as an instructional method. The study presented here approached SDL as an instructional method and explored educators’ instructional use of SDL in relation with pedagogical beliefs, a relationship that has not been sufficiently explored in past research. This relationship was also placed in a Critical Race Theoretical Framework to explore whether the implementation of SDL differed by the racial composition of schools. A multi-method approach was taken which included surveying and interviewing middle school teachers in Massachusetts public schools. Descriptive analyses, factor analyses, correlation analyses, regression analyses, and t-tests were conducted in order to explore the relationship between teachers’ implementation of SDL and their extent of technology integration and pedagogical beliefs, as well as whether the implementation of SDL differs based on the racial composition of the schools in which teachers work. Interviews were employed to explore the results further. Teachers with more student-centered beliefs had higher levels of implementation of SDL than those with more teacher-centered beliefs, and pedagogical beliefs were also a stronger predictor of the level of implementation of SDL than were teachers’ amount of technology use or beliefs about student technology use. No significant relationship was observed between SDL and the racial composition of schools. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2019. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Departmental Honors. / Discipline: Sociology.

Design is a multidimensional activity involving a variety of skills and thought processes, including analytic reasoning, intuition, and creative expression. Learning how to design can be a frustrating and confusing process that some students find difficult to understand. Professors employ a range of strategies when teaching design. These strategies are often based on how their professors taught them with little or no theoretical basis in how students learn. For students, the failure to grasp the process of designing can challenge their willingness to stay motivated and actively engaged in the studio project. The result is less than optimal learning and students that do not achieve their full potential. One important factor that influences design learning is the process of self-regulated learning. Self-regulated learning (SRL) refers to a student's self-generated thoughts, strategies, and goal-directed behaviors. This study examined SRL in landscape architecture design studios in order to find out how students self-regulate their learning and performance on studio projects. Interviews with landscape architecture students were used to answer the research questions. Study findings suggest that landscape architecture students self-regulate their learning on studio projects through a process of engaging in design, then using SRL to address issues that arise during design, then generating more design issues that require additional SRL, and so on. The findings indicate that a student's ability to engage in SRL is based on their understanding of design as a complex set of behaviors and activities. Since students in each year have a different understanding of what designing entails, they use and engage in SRL differently. The findings suggest that high achievement in a design studio is a result of advanced knowledge that comes from the freedom to pursue additional issues beyond the basic requirements of the project. The freedom comes when a student attains the expertise to shift cognitive resources away from learning how to design and redirects them towards risk-taking, personal interests, and learning new information. The study sheds light on how students learn, engage, and self-regulate their learning in design studios and provides design educators with a basis for effective design teaching strategies. / Ph. D.

This study serves to collate and evaluate measures of self-directed learning (SDL), with the goal of guiding the measurement and discussion of SDL. Used in a variety of settings, many applications of SDL have been proposed, but a consistent definition has yet to be formulated. Despite the lack of a cohesive definition, several tools exist to measure SDL. Within this study, which implemented the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) protocols, 157 articles were analyzed for content and themes were identified. An important finding of this study was a definite lack of cohesion in application and understanding of SDL as a framework. While some regard it as a stand-alone learning intervention, others address it as a personality trait. Close examination of the instruments used to measure SDL led to the conclusion that it is both inappropriate and ineffective to continue using, as they broadly lack construct validity and generalizability. Limitations of this study are single subject research, number studies available within databases used, and lack of raw data from studies covered. Future research surrounding the conceptual framework and instrumentation is indicated to further develop the field's understanding of SDL's value and implications.

As a prerequisite for all adult learners in life-long learning, self-directed learning has been constantly discussed since the early 1960s. However, in what manner research operationalizes the concepts and what similarities occur across the empirical studies and theoretical studies are still ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to employ an integrative literature review to investigate and disentangle various interpretations of self-directed learning by identifying how the topic is defined and what competencies and strategies are needed for a highly self-directed learner. This is a six-phase study, including: 1) problem formulation; 2) data collection; 3) problem re-formulation; 4) data evaluation; 5) data collection; and 6) presentation of the findings. This study provided a comprehensive perspective of self-directed learning in a dynamically expanding process to include multifaceted interpretations of the topic and advanced research in self-directed learning in an updated, enriched learning environment. Specifically, the researcher updated the evidence for self-directed learning to date, identified all of the potential dimensions of self-directed learning that distinguish a highly-directed self-directed learner and the related instructional strategies, and made suggestions for the future direction of research on the topic. / Ph. D. / This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the topic of self-directed learning by use of an integrative literature review. The researcher strove to disentangle various interpretations of self-directed learning and identify competences and strategies needed for a highly self-directed learner. This study advanced research in self-directed learning in an updated enriching learning environment. Specifically, the researcher updated the evidence for selfdirected learning to date, identified all the potential dimensions of self-directed learning that distinguish a highly self-directed learner, and made suggestions for the future direction for research of the topic. The findings demonstrated that self-directed learning is a highly dynamic and context-specific learning process in which the learner, as a proactive acting agent, interacts with his /her learning environment to accomplish his/her learning goals in a given learning context. In this dynamic and interactive process, the self-directed learner is motivated to control his/her learning, take advantage of his/her personal experience, set his/her realistic goals, believe in his/her ability to implement the plan and persist in accomplishing achievements by using cognitive skills such as metacognition and self-learning strategies such as seeking assistance, resources, and support when needed.

Rapid scientific and technological advances in health care mean that nurses need to keep learning and engage in professional education so that they can continue to provide safe and quality care. Education programs which prepare nurses for practice as a registered nurse have a vital role to play in ensuring that graduates are self-directed in responding to the need for ongoing learning throughout their professional career. In many countries, improving students’ readiness for self-directed learning has thus gained increasing recognition as being an important goal of nursing education programs. This level of interest in developing self-directedness in learning is evident in many policy documents and research in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing self-directed learning readiness amongst Taiwanese nursing students. A conceptual framework adopted from Biggs’s ‘3P model of teaching and learning’ was constructed to guide this study’s investigation. This study employed a two-staged mixed-method design to obtain a better understanding of Taiwanese students’ experience of SDL in undergraduate nursing programs. Stage one of the present study was a qualitative approach using semi-structured interview to explore students’ experiences with learning activities which they perceived to be self-directed in their undergraduate programs. Eight students were interviewed. Findings from this stage reveal that participants perceived a shift in teaching and learning styles between their previous nursing programs and the university. The more frequent use of student-directed learning activities, in which students were encouraged to be active and to take responsibility for their learning tasks, was one of the changes in teaching and learning approaches perceived by participants. Participants further suggested a number of factors that influenced the outcomes of these learning activities, including teacher-student interaction, facilitation process and learning resources. Stage two of this study used a quantitative approach consisting of two phases: instrument pilot testing and a cross-sectional survey. In the first phase, the instruments were translated into Chinese through a rigorous translation process and tested with a convenience sample of nursing students in Taiwan. Results indicated the translated instruments were reliable and stable. The second phase, a cross-sectional survey, was conducted to examine the conceptual framework of this study. A total of 369 undergraduate nursing students completed the questionnaire. Results of data analysis provides support for the conceptual framework proposed for this study, suggesting that students’ achievement goals and their perceptions of the learning environment significantly influence their adoption of learning approaches and the development of SDL readiness. Based on the results, this study provides practical implications that nurse educators may adopt to enhance students’ SDL readiness. This study also provides theoretical implications and recommendations for future research. It is envisaged that these recommendations may help future researchers focus their research design and further understandings of how to help students develop their ability to become self-directed learners.

Self-directed learning (SDL) readiness skills and the command and/or retention of content knowledge have been identified as key factors for success in post-secondary settings. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has stated that two in three Jamaican secondary school graduates lack the requisite content knowledge and self-directed learning skills needed for advancement in the work space and in postsecondary education (Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan, 2009). This dissertation examined the efficacy of project-based learning (PBL) as a method of instruction for improving SDL readiness skills and content knowledge retention. More specifically, the phenomenon was explored within the context of a developing country – in this case – Jamaica. The difference in SDL readiness skills and content knowledge retention was investigated among 8th grade students in an urban high school under PBL conditions (N = 30) and under Traditional Direct Instruction (N=35) using a quasi-experimental design. Data on students’ SDL readiness skills, knowledge comprehension and content knowledge retention were collected using validated instruments. Scores on all three measures were recorded pre-intervention and post-intervention with a follow-up on content knowledge retention. One way repeated measures mixed ANOVAs were run. Results showed that on SDL readiness skills, the difference over time for the PBL group was significantly different from the difference over time for the TDI/control group (pp

Samhällets förväntningar på anställdas ständiga utveckling och behov att stå ut på arbetsmarknaden har ökat betydelsen av individers självstyrda lärande. Syftet med studien är att skapa större förståelse för självstyrt lärande och dess villkor för nyckelpersoner, det vill säga anställda som är ensamma om att utföra sitt arbete inom sin arbetsplats. Studiens resultat har analyserats och diskuterats utifrån en teori om individuella villkor för lärande och organisatoriska villkor för lärande. Den kvalitativa fallstudien har utförts inom ett studieförbund genom analys av dokument, intervjuer med nyckelpersonerna själva och avdelningschefer. Studien bygger främst på nio semistrukturerade intervjuer, fem med nyckelpersoner och fyra med chefer. Resultatet visar att nyckelpersonerna lär sig självstyrt genom tre tillvägagångssätt; att söka information, prioritera och styra sitt arbete samt genom samspel med andra. De viktigaste villkoren för lärande visade sig vara de sociala och digitala villkoren, arbetsuppgifternas lärandepotential, vidareutbildning samt kulturella villkor. Studiens slutsats är att informationssökande, prioritering och styrning av arbetet samt lärande genom samspel med andra är ett självstyrt lärande. De olika villkoren kan delas upp i villkor på en arbetsplats- samt organisatorisk nivå. Villkoren har olika effekt på tillvägagångsätten för självstyrt lärande. Slutligen pekar studien på att organisationens fokus bör skifta från ett lärande genom utbildning till lärande som sker inom det vardagliga arbetet eftersom det är så nyckelpersonerna anser att de lär sig mest. / Society's expectations about how employees should constantly develop and stand out on the labor market has increased the importance of individual’s self-directed learning. The purpose of this study is to contribute to a greater understanding of self-directed learning and its framework for people who have a key role in the organization. The results of the study have been analyzed and discussed based on a model of self-directed learning and conditions for workplace learning more generally. This qualitative case study has been carried out in an adult educational association in which a few employees maintain a key role due to their specific functions in their respective departments. The study is built on nine interviews, five with key employees and four with the managers, in conjunction with documents regarding the adult educational association. The results show that key employees learn primarily by searching information through intranet and internet, by prioritizing and managing their work and by interacting with others. The most important learning conditions shown are both social and digital conditions, learning potential of the tasks, further education and cultural conditions. In conclusion, learning by searching information, by prioritizing and managing work tasks and learning by interaction with others makes for a self-directed learning process. The different frameworks in the study have been divided into the dimensions of the workplace and the organization as a whole. Furthermore, these different frameworks impact the learning methods in different ways. Lastly, the study indicates that the organizational focus should shift from learning by formal education to the more everyday learning, since it was shown to be what the key employees practiced the most.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Curriculum and Instruction / Jacqueline D. Spears / The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between demographic and educational variables, epistemological beliefs as measured by Schommer’s Epistemological Questionnaire (SEQ), and learner perception of selfdirectedness as measured by Guglielmino’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). Participants in this study were undergraduate adult students at a private university in the Midwest region of the United States (N=394). The instruments were administered online during regularly scheduled courses. Data were analyzed at the p<.05 level of significance using Pearson product-moment correlations, factor analysis, stepwise multiple regression, and other statistical techniques. Results of this research included several significant correlations between demographic and educational variables, SEQ factors, and SDLRS total and factor scores. The educational variables of class standing, exposure to the humanities, and exposure to the social sciences significantly correlated with five SDLRS and SEQ total and factor scores. The greatest number of correlations occurred between SEQ factor 2, thinking for yourself is a waste of time, and the SDLRS factors of openness to learning opportunities, view of self as an effective and independent learner, independence and initiative in learning, responsibility for learning, and creativity. Other significant correlations with SEQ factors and SDLRS total and factor scores included age, gender, race, marital status, mother’s and father’s education level, credit earned through independent studies, cohort or non-cohort program type, grade point average, and exposure to learning contracts. Significant findings from the correlations of demographic and educational variables (p<.002) and SEQ factors (p<.05) with SDLRS total scores were entered into a stepwise multiple regression. One educational variable and three SEQ factors accounted for 25.7% of the variance in SDLRS total scores. Several suggestions for the development of expanded empirical and theoretical research initiatives and the improvement of practice were offered. This research provided a clear and compelling rationale for the establishment of adult degree programs which are grounded in the liberal arts, include both career and personal development activities, and allow for increased opportunities for learner self-direction to occur. These elements are necessary to build what Kegan (1994) called a developmental bridge for adult learners.

Consumer Studies is a valuable and multifaceted subject in South African schools, requiring that teachers in the subject are well prepared. Pre-service Consumer Studies teachers need to be prepared to become lifelong learners to cope with the dynamic nature of the subject, as well as to develop various 21st century skills to be able to deal with the demands of these times. Structured guidance, however, could not be uncovered for the preparation of pre-service Consumer Studies teachers to empower them with the requirements for Consumer Studies education. Sett-directed learning is a process that supports the developn1ent of various 21st century skills, including lifelong learning, and could thus contribute to the development of preservice Consumer Studies teachers, if included in their preparation. A suitable teaching-leaming strategy that could be utilised in the preparation module for Consumer Studies teachers, as well as a vehicle to promote self-directed learning as part of such preparation, was identified in the form of project-based learning. A qualitative case study was employed to investigate how project-based learning as a teaching-learning strategy could promote self-directed learning in a pre-service Consumer Studies teacher preparation module. Project-based learning was found to foster the development of various skills as part of the process, including planning and collaboration skills. Subject content, consistent with what is required to be taught in Consumer Studies education on high school level, was developed and self-directed learning was promoted in participants using project-based learning. Recommendations were suggested for the preparation of pre-service Consumer Studies teachers, as well as for the effective structuring of projects and project-based learning in Consumer Studies. / MEd (Curriculum Development), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015