Self-Directed Learning vs. Self-Determined Learning

Self-directed learning is “a process in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, to diagnose their learning needs, formulate learning goals, identify resources for learning, select and implement learning strategies, and evaluate learning outcomes” (Knowles).

Self-determined learning (or self-regulation) is “an active, constructive process whereby learners set goals for their learning and then attempt to monitor, regulate, and control their cognition, motivation, and behaviour, guided and constrained by their goals and the contextual features in the environment.

These two types of learning seem highly similar however are distinctly different. The self-directed learner is focused on the learning content and tends to move in a linear fashion. The emphasis is on developing competency or learning information within its current context. Self-Determined Learning is focused on the actual process of learning and is completely learner directed. This type of learning questions assumptions and beliefs and is metacognitive in design. The goal is to enable the learner to become capable of learning by questioning current contexts and/or values and principles.

The above chart provides a great comparison of self-directed versus self-determined learning. Further, it is quite interesting to see how the various theoretical frameworks are interweaved with each other. For example, self-regulated learning can be considered heutagogical learning, or self-determined learning. It can also be regarded as double loop learning, since double loop learning requires challenging underlying assumptions one holds. Alternatively, self-directed learning is considered andragogical since the learner is quite involved in the learning aspect however still requires some structure and/or facilitation from the instructor. Self-directed learning can also be equated with single loop learning, the most common style of problem-solving and improving a system as it exists. All learning is quite interconnected however contains subtle distinct differences within the theoretical frameworks from which they are derived. Understanding these distinctions can help one meet the needs of learning they are seeking.

The Self-Regulated Learner

I came across a blog written by Jackie Gerstein, an educator. She emphasizes how self regulation is now the other 21st Century Skill we need to possess. Self-regulation is the ability to control and direct one’s own feelings, thoughts and actions. It involves the conscious planning, monitoring, and evaluating aspects that control one’s own learning. To be self-directed, we need to be mindful, intentional, reflective, introspective, self-aware, and self-disciplined. Importantly, it seems when people make poor choices, it is usually because of a lack of self-regulation.

I personally would consider self-directed learning a cyclical process which requires us to go through various stages of learning. I sometimes find myself at the self-regulated stage of learning however, when life gets in the way, I may meander off course briefly to the self-directed stage and then return back to refocus my energies. If we consider self-regulated learning as a cyclical process, it would make sense that we go through stages. For example, self-regulation promotes increased learning and consequentially an increased sense of competence as we carry out tasks independently. This feeling can serve to reaffirm our self-regulation and serve as a sort of “positive feedback loop” that sustains our motivation to learn.

According to Gerstein, self-regulated learning is vital for academic success. On her blog, she notes a 2010 study conducted by University of Virginia’s Claire Cameron Ponitz and Oregon State University’s Megan McClelland which indicated children with high levels of self regulation do better on tests than those children with lower levels of self regulation abilities. Some even postulate this factor alone may be “the root cause” of the economic achievement gap.

Thus, we know self-regulation is vital for academic and future economic success. Building self regulation is an ongoing process and involves several key characteristics. I have depicted an image below for ease of listing:

Original source can be found here: https://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/2014/08/24/self-regulation-the-other-21st-century-skills/?blogsub=confirming#blog_subscription-3