Self-Directed Learning
Taking initiative and responsibility for your own learning process, from goals to evaluation.
Also known as: SDL, Self-guided learning, Autonomous learning
Category: Concepts
Tags: learning, autonomy, personal-development, lifelong-learning, meta-learning
Explanation
Self-directed learning (SDL) is a process where individuals take primary initiative for planning, implementing, and evaluating their own learning experiences, with or without help from others. Key elements include: diagnosing learning needs, formulating goals, identifying resources, choosing learning strategies, and evaluating outcomes. Malcolm Knowles championed SDL as natural for adult learners who bring life experience and internal motivation. SDL doesn't mean learning alone - self-directed learners actively seek mentors, communities, and resources. Skills needed include: metacognition, goal-setting, resource identification, time management, and self-assessment. For knowledge workers, SDL is increasingly essential as rapid change makes formal education quickly obsolete. The ability to identify what you need to learn, find quality resources, structure your learning, and assess your progress is perhaps the most valuable meta-skill in the modern economy.
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