Little research has been undertaken investigating e-portfolios as a strategy in the
development of self-directed learning skills in young learners. This dissertation aims to
contribute to this area of research.
Self-directed learning is considered an important skill in assisting learners to
prepare for a future where the skill set required is undetermined for many roles. Eportfolios
have been shown to assist students in development of their reflective thinking
and self-assessment skills. Self-assessment and reflection are both key skills in selfdirected
learners. Research into e-portfolios has primarily been focused at tertiary level
and has not focused on the development of the indicators of self-directed learning.
This study is a qualitative case study of four Year 1 students which takes place
over three months at a private international school in Hong Kong. The intervention (eportfolio)
was introduced into the context of expressive oral reading. Each student
produced an e-portfolio documenting their learning. The indicators of self-directed
learning were assessed prior to the intervention, during and post intervention through
interviews, document and observations.
Results strongly indicated that e-portfolios were effective in developing selfdirected
learning skills. In particular there was a clear emergence of the indicators
intrinsic motivation, self-assessment, ownership of learning and celebration of learning.
Surprisingly creativity, self-confidence, and self-esteem also emerged to significant
levels.
It was concluded that e-portfolios were an effective way to develop self-directed
learning skills. It is recommended that e-portfolios are used with young learners as an
effective way of engaging students in their own learning process. / published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Science in Information Technology in Education
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:HKU/oai:hub.hku.hk:10722/174398 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Douglas, Helen. |
| Publisher | The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong) |
| Source Sets | Hong Kong University Theses |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | PG_Thesis |
| Source | http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B47469523 |
| Rights | The author retains all proprietary rights, (such as patent rights) and the right to use in future works., Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License |
| Relation | HKU Theses Online (HKUTO) |
Page generated in 0.0117 seconds