Publication Date

1989

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Mason, Robert C., 1940-

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Leadership and Educational Policy Studies

LCSH

Learning; Psychology of; Adult education--Psychological aspects

Abstract

This study involved the assessment of self- directed learning readiness of adult students enrolled in an external degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. This external degree program requires the learner to accept a great deal of responsibility for learning and involves a self-directed learning approach. The research addressed the following questions: (1) How well prepared are students to engage in individualized, self-directed learning? (2) What problems are distance learners in an external degree program encountering? (3) What might be done to improve the participants’ effectiveness in learning? The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale developed by Dr. Lucy Guglielmino was used to assess readiness for self-directed learning. A survey instrument developed by the researcher was used to answer research questions 2 and 3. Findings indicated that the majority of subjects scored above average in readiness for self-directed learning. Findings from this study provided evidence to support that, although participants in this study possessed high levels of readiness for self-directed learning, they are not completely comfortable with the self-directed learning process and additional help is needed with their learning. Findings from this study provided evidence that learners feel inadequate with aspects of their self- directed learning efforts and want more rather than less assistance with their learning. Institutional commitment to identify and foster self-directed learning and realign missions and goals to ensure student success and academic quality is implicated from this study.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages 69-72)

Extent

viii, 90 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS