Embracing Self-Directed Learning

Neither adult education nor self-directed learning are new. However, the study of these topics is fairly new. During the past century or so, our knowledge of how adults mentally acquire skills and information has grown, and with it, opportunities to improve the quality of their educational experiences. If you are considering applying to an online degree program, it helps to gain basic understanding of these concepts.

What is Andragogy?

Andragogy is the study of adult learning, explains professor Sharan B. Merriam. The concept of andragogy began in 19th century Germany to distinguish between the educational programs of children and adults. Later in the 20th century, the word came to be associated with the professionalization of adult education in both Europe and America. However, American educator Malcolm Knowles is credited with defining our modern understanding of the concept.

Unlike children, adults require different educational interactions that speak to their needs as students. You might, for example, need explanations for why certain topics are being taught, show a preference for a self-directed approach to learning, or retain information better when working on common tasks with others.

Assumptions of Andragogy

Early on, Knowles’ research assumed five core aspects of adult learners:

Adult learners have an independent self-concept. Therefore, they are capable of directing their own learning.
Adult learners have accumulated a large quantity of life experiences, which provide rich resources for learning.
Adult learners have learning needs that relate closely with their changing social roles.
The learning style of adult learners is problem-centered and focuses on immediate application of knowledge.
Adult learners are motivated to learn by internal (rather than external) factors.

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Critiques

Although Knowles’ premise was considered a strong one, many criticized his assumptions.

Some thought that the list above better described principles of good education practice. For example, identifying one’s learning needs and setting personal learning objectives can just as easily be the result of successful classroom facilitation as they can of maturity. Others thought that the list was unclear. Did it characterize what an adult learner is, or what one should ideally be like? It could be read as both a theory about learning and a model of teaching. And some questioned whether the assumptions actually described adult learners properly. (For example, adult learners may be externally motivated by required work training, while children may be internally motivated by curiosity.)

After working through these criticisms, Knowles acknowledged that andragogy is defined more by the learning situation than the learners.

Outcomes

Knowles identifies certain outcomes that make any venture in andragogy successful. As an adult learner, you are considered successful if you:

: A successful learning experience means you are better able to understand your own needs, motivations, and goals. Additionally, you may develop the ability to better examine yourself with maturity and objectivity. You are able to identify your strengths and weaknesses and have developed the drive to improve.
: Your learning experience has enabled you to see the distinction between people and ideas and challenge the latter without threatening the former. This, Knowles believed, can lead you to a greater sense of empathy.
: You come to understand that change is constant and that everything is a learning opportunity. This mindset helps you to build mastery.
: You should understand that solutions can be found by looking at the root cause of problems.
: If you are a successfully taught adult learner, you can use your education to develop many types of skills and reach the full scope of your abilities.
: You should come to understand and respect universal values, as well as the overall heritage of knowledge and great traditions of the world.
: If you are educated, you are able to participate intelligently in processes that affect your society. You should be adequately knowledgeable about government, international affairs, economics, and other aspects of the social order in order to participate in them fully and competently.

While andragogy explains the theoretical aspects of adult learning, the practical aspects of this phenomenon are different. If successful adult education is a destination, self-directed learning is the vehicle that gets you there.

AS in Business Administration LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, IACBE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$399: Learn the fundamental business skills necessary for a career in business administration, including finance, economics, accounting, and more with the online Associate of Science in Business Administration degree program from Campbellsville University. Topics of study include accounting principles, fundamentals of microeconomics and macroeconomics, concepts and analytical tools used in finance, marketing concepts, human resource management, management principles, and more.
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) LocationDavenport, IL Accreditation(s)HLC, ACBSP Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$475: The online Bachelor of Business Administration program from St. Ambrose University provides a comprehensive education for a career in business. With a curriculum grounded in liberal arts and taught by faculty with real-world business experience, the program teaches business, leadership, and communication skills. The program focuses on the skills needed to advance in a variety of fields and offers small class sizes. An accounting specialization is available.
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What Is Self-Directed Learning?

Knowles also wrote extensively about self-direction in learning. He defines it as a process:

“… in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing, and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.”

Knowles goes on to explain three reasons why self-directed learning is important.

Evidence suggests that self-directed learners learn more and better than those who wait to be taught (known as “reactive learners”). Self-directed learners also have more motivation, purpose, and make greater use of what they learn over lengthier periods of time.
Self-directed learning is coordinated with the natural psychological development process. An essential aspect of maturity is, in fact, self-direction: the increased responsibility we all take for our own lives.
Developments in education have put an increasingly heavy responsibility on learners to take self-initiatives. Students who do not have the skills necessary to participate in self-directed learning will be more likely to get frustrated, anxious, and fail at their studies.

How do you develop self-directed learning?

Self-directed learning is essential to success as an online student. Roger Hiemstra, a well-known adult education scholar, suggests that you begin the process of developing as a self-directed learner by evaluating your competency in the following areas:

Inquiry and problem solving
Keeping an open mind to alternative viewpoints
Quickly distinguishing relevant resources and data
Obtaining information on your performance, both through self-observation and feedback
Assessing personal academic performance
Creating learning goals, plans, and activities based on personal learning needs
Setting performance objectives
Improving academically by watching others
Committing to working on goals
Sustaining self-motivation continuously

Understanding your personal learning style is another way to develop as a self-directed learner. Richard M. Felder identifies a number of potential learning styles observed in students:

Dimension of Learning	Learning Styles	Explanation
Perception	Sensory	You prefer to take in sights, sounds, physical sensations
Perception	Intuitive	You prefer to perceive through possibilities and insights
Input	Visual	You take in information most effectively through visual means
Input	Auditory	You take in information most effectively through sounds
Organization	Inductive	You respond best to information presented as facts and observations, with underlying principles inferred
Organization	Deductive	You respond best to information where underlying principles are explained, and its applications are implied
Processing	Active	You process information through physical engagement or discussion
Processing	Reflective	You process information through contemplation
Understanding	Sequential	You prefer to organize information in a linear and logically sequenced fashion
Understanding	Global	You prefer to organize information holistically

To be a successful self-directed learner, you should know that the traditional roles of student and teacher may shift. Your teacher may no longer serve in an authoritative role. Instead, a teacher may serve as an advisor, helping to encourage and direct learning experiences without providing easy answers or simply offering information for you to memorize.

This change leaves room for you to take more responsibility for your learning. It boosts your motivation to self-assess and self-monitor progress. You are able to define your own goals and adapt as necessary. Ultimately, all this makes it possible for you to achieve greater academic success.

Finally, seasoned self-directed learners display or develop certain characteristics as self-motivators, self-managers, and self-appraisers. Ideally you should demonstrate the following characteristics, according to educators Kath Murdoch and Jeni Wilson:

Curiosity
Seeking to learn what you don’t know
Proactiveness
Goal setting
Risk taking
Positive thinking
Enjoying challenges

Thoughtfulness and deliberation
Perseverance
Self-patience
Attempting to solve problems before asking others for help
Pacing your work
Using a range of organizational systems

Self-awareness
Able to articulate your needs
Reflective on your best personal learning strategies
Good judgment
Positive self-talk
You don’t constantly seek approval
Comfortable with asking questions

Self-directed learning is a skill that takes time, effort, and practice. However, if you wish to take a more active role in your education, it is also practical and highly effective.

The Promise of Self-Directed Learning

Adult education is not simply an afterthought of the education system. It is in fact a well-paved path that relies heavily on the strengths unique to adult learners — namely introspection and a complex understanding of the world. Because of this, online degree programs offer a unique promise to help you reach your full potential as a learner, a professional, and as a person.

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Online Bachelor of Social Work LocationFayetteville, NC Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACBSP, AACN, DPI, CSWE Religious AffiliationMethodist Cost Per Credit$400: MU’s online Bachelor of Social Work degree delivers a multi-faceted that leaves graduates prepared academically, emotionally, and with needed accreditation for a meaningful career of impact and advocacy. Dedicated, experienced faculty deliver a highly specialized program designed to generate critical thinking, practical solutions, and outcomes of socio-economic justice resulting from advanced decision-making capabilities in the field. In addition to an interdisciplinary curricular approach covering courses in biology, psychology, and sociology, this Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited and NC-CWEC recognized program provides active internship opportunities qualifying participating students for Child Welfare placements upon graduation.
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Online RN to BSN LocationFayetteville, NC Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACBSP, AACN, DPI, CCNE Religious AffiliationMethodist Cost Per Credit$400: The online RN to BSN from Methodist University propels the professional profile of actively working nurses. For those who have completed their associate degree and have an unrestricted RN license, the online RN to BSN allows students to accelerate affordably through BSN courses in as little as 12 months and provides the credential for advancement. The CCNE-accredited curriculum helps refine nursing skills to develop the most patient-centered care by combining nursing theory and practice with courses in health policy, evidence-based practice applications, pathophysiology, public health nursing, and beside care. Gain an advantage in job consideration and locate a position of preference for entering diverse health care and medical environments.
RN to BSN LocationBoston, MA Accreditation(s)NECHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$350: Designed for current registered nurses seeking to further their education and advance their careers, Emmanuel College’s online RN to BSN program offers the flexibility to balance your studies with the demanding schedule of a professional nurse. The program’s accelerated format and option to transfer up to 96 credits allow you to earn your degree in 16 months.
RN to BSN LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Illinois College’s fully online RN to BSN program is designed to educate nurses for the needs of the future and covers a host of essential topics for advancing your education, such as bioethics, health policy, nursing research, and disease management. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
RN to BSN LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$240: Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame College. Designed for working nurses, the program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills, and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization as you gain practical training in the field.
RN to BSN LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$375: Transform your nursing career and earn an in-demand degree with the online RN to BSN degree program from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your career opportunities in nursing while fulfilling the educational requirements of many healthcare employers. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
RN to BSN LocationPortsmouth, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$278: Led by experienced nurse educators, Shawnee State University’s RN to BSN online program features small class sizes, personalized attention, and dedication to your future success. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the accelerated curriculum equips you with the quality education needed to advance your career or pursue graduate studies.
RN to BSN LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Advance your nursing career and impact the lives of others with an ACEN-accredited RN to BSN online from Rivier University. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions and master’s-level educational opportunities. The program’s flexible, convenient format can be designed around professional and personal schedules. Students with an active RN license will be awarded transfer credit for their experience and can finish the program faster.
RN to BSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$282.13: Gain more skills for career advancement in nursing and increased earning potential with the online RN to BSN from the University of West Florida. Through the program, you will demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession as you advance your knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice, high-quality care, communication, and leadership. The CCNE-accredited program is taught by educators who are highly experienced in a variety of areas in the field, and you will gain their insight into nursing practices and the healthcare system.
RN to BSN LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationLutheran Cost Per Credit$420: Concordia University, St. Paul’s online RN to BSN program advances the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals through an integration of learning and experience. Using a combination of theoretical inquiry and practical application, you will gain insight into ethics in healthcare, professional and evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, leadership, management, care coordination, and community health.
RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE CCNE, CCNE* The RN to BSN Completion Program at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Religious AffiliationFranciscan Roman Catholic Cost Per Credit$480: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
RN to BSN LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405: Bethel University’s RN to BSN online program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical training you need to take on more challenging roles in your workplace and advance in your profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s curriculum trains you in a host of areas required for the modern nurse, such as pharmacology, patient and family centered care, community-based nursing, global health, nursing informatics, and more.
RN to MSN LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationPrivate Cost Per Credit$725: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online RN-MSN saves you time and money in earning the credentials you need to be recognized as a nurse leader and qualify for management roles. This program is designed to give registered nurses the opportunity to complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on their way to earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Because we accept 90 associate degree credits, you can fast-track your online RN to MSN and make the most of your previous nursing education. Choose the track that matches your career goals — become a nurse educator, or a family nurse practitioner.
RN to MSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit282.13 and 425: The University of West Florida’s accelerated RN to MSN online program is designed for registered nurses who are ready to continue their education with advanced credentials. It allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on your way to completing your master’s, saving time and money. By completing the BSN program, you will earn 12 credit hours at the undergraduate rate which will be applied toward your Master of Science in Nursing