The current debate in nurse education of the role of self directed learning appears to be alive and well. On the one hand advocates of this learning approach talk of nurses who have experienced a growth in confidence, have become more responsible and now view learning as life long. However, others state that SDL can cause a great deal of distress in some trainee nurses and believe that how and what nurses learn is jepodised by such a laissez-faire approach to learning. My belief is that we need to take the emotion out of the debate and take a more rationale view. Like anything, SDL is not an ‘all or nothing’ state of being; at times we can all demonstrate the skills and attributes of SDL but we can also, particularly in new and unfamiliar situations, become dependent on others and lack the knowledge and skills to find out for ourselves. The article by Tracy Levett-Jones offers a balanced view of the role of SDL in nurse education.
As nurse education practitioners what do you think are the benefits and challenges of SDL?
24 comments
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April 16, 2008 at 3:05 am
abubakarbaeng
I would agree that SDL could be an isolating study concept.
However, this thought would be broken through by sharing what was learnt, active class participations and/or during networking.
Blogging could enhance thinking and discussions with open mind therefore accelerated knowledge.
Only through sharing enhances inquisitve mind in order to learn more things and learn better.
April 16, 2008 at 3:08 am
norhashimkhamu
I think the benefits of SDL are numerous; to name a few, the students take some significant responsibility for their own learning over and above responding to action. However as an educator we need to play an important role in assisting them to acquire the necesssry skills for sel-directed learning. They must first understand the concept or philosophy of self -directed learning. In my opinion this is the main challenge the students and facilitator face as any misdirected conception of understanding will lead to they students learning without guidance and may deviate from the topics the are supposed to learn. In other words the approach for self-directed learning must be inclined to the needs of the students.
April 16, 2008 at 3:19 am
kuumeeiting
The ability to learn on one’s own has become a pre-requisite for living in a dynamic world of change.
Self directed learning has been identified that learners who take the initiative get to learn more and better with purposefully and motivated. It tends to retain and make use of what has learned.
However, the challange for self directed learning is when there is inadequate student preparation.
Further more, nursing education is restricted by professional curriculum, legal and institutional requirement.
April 16, 2008 at 3:26 am
norhashimkhamu
SDL can actually initiates the students into a thinking mind and blogging could help them to question, inquire and solve problems, keep an open mind to other’s opinion,scan data and collect it through self-observation and feedback from others, assess your present performance and set goals to improve it.
April 16, 2008 at 3:33 am
melodytio
Self-directed learning has many benefits. Overtime it increases the learner’s confidence and motivation. Students can learn in their own pace in a non-intimidating environment. Students can learn with less facilitators time. SDL is also a form of preparation for lifelong learning.
The challenge is to make learning a partnership and active between students and facilitators so that interaction and growth is possible.
April 16, 2008 at 3:34 am
siokpeng
Self directed learning has been evolving around the nursing education. It is hard to determine and decide on the ‘right’ approach to nursing. I am a believer of life long learning and self directed learning in the nursing profession. Nurses are required to continuously update their knowledge, skills as medical knowledge expires in approximately 3 years (or less) especiallly in critical areas (eg.Intensive care and operating theatres). SDL allows individual nurses to their own pace and set own learning objectives. (esp. for different level of learners and different areas of discipline)
For the learning approach for nursing students, i supported Nolan(1993) in partnership of self-directed learning and student centred learning. SDL for student nurses could difficult as competencies need to be met.
Challenges in SDL
For nursing facilitators to be familiar with SDL techniques
Students must love learning and be ready to adopt differnent approach of learning
April 16, 2008 at 3:37 am
jasminewongchung
Concept of SDL depends on the intrinsic characteristics of the learner-ie.how motivated and interested the learner is to learn for herself.
SDL is a big challenge to trainers and nurse clinicians on how to motivate and develop the learner towards assuming responsibilities towards their own learning.
How do we tailor the courses and develop relevant programmes to tap on the nurses experience to stimulate self directed learning??
We can guide the nurses towards how to access resources,plan workshops,and talks and arrange for the nurses to attend seminars to improve clinical knowledge and skills but if the nurses are just task oriented and not keen or motivated in SDL all our effforts will go to waste.
The trick lies in how to get the nurses to identify their own learning needs and objectives so we can identify the knowledge gaps.The need for the nurses to assume ownership and responsibilities in their own learning will be a step towards getting them to be self directed in their learning.
April 16, 2008 at 3:39 am
siokpeng
Meei ting, I agree with you that student preparation is extremely important in SDL
April 16, 2008 at 3:44 am
aneymathew
self directed learning has a limited place in nursing education..
-nursing education includes the education of clinical skills to the students.so it requires proper guidance and supervision which doesnt exist in SDL.
-SDL can cause some level of distress in the new trainee nurses as as they will be asked to function as a registerd nurse in times of emergency
-For a nurse who is in a new enviornment as she is not familiar with new sorroundinds and their practices total self directed learning will be impossible
- competency and safe practice is not ensured in SDL
but on the other hand if the students are explained the purpose and methodolgy self directed learning it makes it easier for them.
in short its bad
1.compliance difficult to monitor
2.no guidance
3.no group discussions or sharing
4.limited to self reading no demonstration/skill or practical training
SDL is good
1 .more nurses can participate
2.at own time and convenience
3.its cheaper no need classes and lectres.
April 16, 2008 at 3:44 am
lindaongzhongan
21st Century - what a difference!!!
SDL in nurse education is the way for 21st century nurses to achieve LIFE LONG LEARNING skills - always aim for improvement eg a better approach to a procedure.
A learner must be able/allowed to express one’s need , to achieve SATISFACTION in one’s GOAL.
A teacher/mentor of such learner must encourage and motivate ….be a devil’s advovate to stimulate interests. A SDL nurse will do well applying PBL and EBL methodologies.
A successful Self-directed learner qualities:
1. able to identify own learning needs
2. Able to determine learning objectives
3. responsible to decide how to evaluate own learning outcomes
4. identify and pursue learning strategies and resources
5. able to evaluate oen learning outcomes
There is always a first time for every thing. I handled an emergency at the bedside on a 100kg lady. She coded on me at 0600 hours. My adrenaline poured in and did what I was taught. At the end of it… I felt better UNDERSTANDING because I delivered the emergency care learnt from the classroom. I want my nurses to perform better than myself even it is their first time , for with SDL, they will be exposed more before reality strikes !
April 16, 2008 at 3:49 am
sawdavid
The benefits of SDL are students can identify their needs,develop objectives,pursue learning resources & evaluate their learning,can be involved & consulted & freely accept some of the philosophies behind self learning.Develops freedom,autonomy & direction,learner setting own goals & achievements.Increase initiative,intentions,choices,freedom,energy & responsibility.I ncrease confidence in their own ability.
The challenges are anxiety,frustration & often failure.In nursing education sometimes SDL can be inappropriate for some practise.Because of some limitations.Student understanding & preparation also a challenge for SDL.
April 16, 2008 at 3:49 am
chiangmuiteang
I agreeed that in the present healthcare environment, self-directed learning is essential. We know that there is convincing evidence that people who take the initiative in learning, learn more things and learn better than people waiting to be taught. Educators have an important role to play in assisting students to acquire the skills for self-directed learning, In most courses, teachers are concerned about helping students in a life-long learning process, so that the student develops an interest in further learning and provide base for concepts and skills that will facilitate further learning and thinking.
However, the challenges could be SLD might not be applicable to all learners and all situations, because of the learner’s preferences and costraints. Leading to diffulty in adaptingto SDL. The challenge in the resource use for the online learners,which many nurses are doing it now, Students need to evaluate the validity and reliability of the resources accessed . Another challenge is to motivation in online learning relates to procrastination. It is easier to procrastinate in an online learning situation as compared to a traditional classroom learning.
To be success in learning, an agreement needs should be balance between the student and the facilitator.
April 16, 2008 at 3:53 am
florencelimyy
Self directed learning (SDL) in nursing is very important.
Nurses in ParkwayHealth tends to be so busy with their daily work that it is not part of their regular activity.
Some nurses pursue further degree because of career development.
Some nurses attend continous nursing education (CNE) because it is a requirement for registration (coming).
Some nurses attend conference, seminars, workshop, etc because it is hospital sponsored and official time off from work.
But the trend is changing in ParkwayHealth where nurses are encouraged to pursue SDL.
It will benefit self:
• Enter into learning more pursposefully and with greater motivation;
• Learn more things and learn better than passively taught;
• Tend to retain and make use of what SDL better and longer; and
• Increase confidence in own ability.
A commitment to lifelong learning is important in preparing a professional nurse for practice in a dynamic work envirnonment.
I agree absolutely that our fellow collegues should be motivated to pursue SDL to improve the status of nursing in ParkwayHealth.
April 16, 2008 at 3:57 am
adelinesausc
The term “Knowledge is Wealth” comes to mind when I think about self directed learning. There is always a need to learn and upgrade ourselves as we see the need to be able to converse in detail on certain or more subjects or topics rather than be deemed unknowledgeable. That is why we take the initiative and motivate ourselves to want to learn more, to think out of the box and to expand our knowledge in formal work and everyday life. We tend to be able to manage our time well and be dicipline in terms of doing our learning.
April 16, 2008 at 3:57 am
fungkamyee
I agree that students require a cognitive understanding of SDL. SDL for student nurses should start on the second year of learning. On the first year, they are new in the healthcare setting. Teacher-centred learning in the first year will benefits them to adapt to their new setting. At the same time, teacher equip them with the concept of SDL.
More important is to let them understand that “Obsolescence of knowledge”. In a dynamic world of rapid change, the ability to learn on one’s own and to ensure we learn the safe pratise is very important.
As student nurses, their focus of learning is towards achieving an external goal(get their license). The mixture of teacher-centred and SDL is good for them. Teacher-centred learning provides them with clearly stated standard. SDL helps them to stay enthusiatic in learning for lifelong when there is no more teacher guiding.
April 16, 2008 at 3:59 am
taysawhar
As a nurse I continually strive to learn a new knowledge, and to grow in skills and experience. Instead of being force-fed information it is more benefial to engage in objective learning through SDL thus creating the habit of posing questions, examing assumption and exploring alternative
method of assessing learning outcome.
Beneficial SDL are
.Reflective thinker-able to think independently and learn how to learn.
.Collaborative practioner-creatively consider how things might be otherwise. Ability to exhibit good listening and practise skill whether the situation is an autonomy, an empowerment or an order to follow a content.
SDL are able to integrate into the system
April 16, 2008 at 4:00 am
limyeowhearn
SDL may create tension, anxiety, frustration and even failure to learn; social isolation; and teacher abdication in the role and responsibility in nursing student education.
Advocates of SDL indicates there are psychomotor benefits eg increased presentation skills; sharing of experiences; choice and autonomy. SDL also encourages creativity in an ever increasing complexity and changes in the health care scene. SDL cultivates life long learning behaviour.
For SDL to be successful there has to be very disciplined actions that must take place before expecting nursing students to embark on it.
* prepare and cultivate skills in SDL
* transition that attends to individual cognitive understanding
* identify where TDL (teacher directed learning) is indispensable eg for new students and or with little or no health care experience
* available support for student’s learning needs
* co learner attitude between teacher and students
* clear statement when using SDL indicating strategies for
implementation
* evaluation has to be actively a continuous process
There is a place for TDL and SDL in the nursing education curriculam. For SDL to be effective and efficient, practitioners have to possess a great sense of commitment, flexibility and consistency.
April 16, 2008 at 4:01 am
jasminewongchung
The benefits of SDL as shared by my colleagues is obvious and can direct the nurses towards self improvement and personal development in their career.
I agree with Knowles that the main purpose of learning is to encourage the nurses to be self directed and independent in their own pursuit of learning.
April 16, 2008 at 4:01 am
alipjansheik
I do agree that self directed learning has many benefit especially if the learner is motivated, has the initiative, responsible and a goal achiever. In this dynamic world of rapid change, self directed learning (SLD) is a necessary part of keeping us updated in the nursing skills and knowledge, its a lifelong process. It increases the learner’s confidence in their own ability and capacity in developing their own learning skills, giving the learner their own sense of responsibility, accountability and be asseritive in their learning strategies.
Challenges
Not all learner have the same abilities and capabilities. In a SLD environment, teacher and learner has a role to play to achieve a common goal. The competency of the facilitator to promote a self directed learning environment, to encourage and give the learner the confidence to express themselves and the support to continue and not give up or be belittled in their commments/ answers. Learners must be resourceful, self relient and self directed. Be critical thinkers and evaluate their own performance as the learning period takes place.
April 16, 2008 at 4:06 am
leongpohchan
In self directed learning, the learner takes the initiative and responsibility for their own learning process. In this case, the learner needs to formulate their learning goals, identifying and implementing learning appropriate learning strategies and evaluating the learning outcomes.
As a nurse education practitioner, I feel that there are various benefits of self directed learning, such as:
1. The learner will want to take the initiative in learning and will learn better than those passive learners.
2. Learner is more motivated and more focus with the learning objectives and goals.
3. Self directed learning also enables the learner to remember what they learn as they are engaged in their learning.
4. Learners would be able to apply what they learn and apply critical thinking to the solution of a problem.
In my opinion, this self directed learning is good for those learners who have already have some knowledge and experience. For beginners, the facilitator must understand the learner’s characteristics and gives guidance and coaching in their learning.
April 16, 2008 at 4:18 am
ongsuieng
Ttitle: My opinion and experiences in the use of Self-directed learning (SDL) in Nurse Education
Exploring the area of self-directed learning in our group this morning has been an interesting exercise. We finalised the characteristics and behavours which has similarities with the other groups.
In my opinion, I would like to think that SDL is a life long learning skills whereby learning takes place everyday of our lives. It could be argued that this form of learning focus on one own’s needs and personal growth.
The learner is motivated and has the initiative to takes responsiblitity for his or her learning. According to Levett-Jones in her article on SDL, we are facing with a very new situation whereby the focus of education is that if we are to survive, is the facilitation of change and learning. The educated man is one who has learned how to learn, and to realised that no knowledge is secure and belief that the process of seeking knowledge gives a basis of scecurity ( cited by Levett-Jones, 2005).
However, in my experience, some learners seems to lack the motivation or passion for learning. They came for the course because they are told to come and often then not display negative behaviours in the class. It is often my challenge to motivate them and steer them back in the positive mind-set change. I realised if they are able to see the benefits for themselves they are more open and begin to accept learning easier.
My views on SDL can be classified as follows:
Advantages of SDL where learners take the initiative:-
- Learn more things and better
- Enter learning with a purpose and greater motivation
- Tenderency to remember and utilise what is learn, better and long
Challenges and drawbacks/limitations of SDL:
- learner’s preferences may not be considered
- pragmatic constraints of nursing education
- preference for teacher-centred approach (direct, concrete & teacher-structured, highly organised activities with clear expectation)
-difficulty in adapting to SDL without mastering the skills of SDL experience anxiety, frustration and failure
-restrictions imposed by professional, institutional requirements and educational regulations
It could be argued that teacher directed learning is most appropriate when the student is new to the subject or has little previous experience on the subject. Therefore, it is important that availability of support for students as part of their SDL.
Teacher competencies should include the following:
- ability to create a learning environment that is conducive to learning
- facilitate group decision making and processes
- diagnose learning needs
-assist learners to set their goals
-promote collaborative learning
- evaluate learning outcomes
- reflection on learning
- peer review
For SDL to be successful, teachers need to be familiar with the techniques and possess the skills necessary to assist students with this learning. Students need to be involved and consulted with open discussion on the philosophies engineering SDL
I agree that elements of behaviourist, congnitive, humanistic and developmental theories is important part of nursing education. SDL could be a model that learners could set their own goals, selecting and gathering resources considering their own personal goals and achievement
April 16, 2008 at 4:24 am
abubakarbaeng
David, I would agree with your comments, however the new self directed learners should have facilitators.
By having facilitators, the new self-directed learners would be able to focus on their goals of learning objectives/topics. Having basic guidances and facilitations would reduce the negative challenges you mentioned.
Equiped with the understanding, knowledge and purpose in self-directed phylosophy, the learners would have learned and soon able to be SELF-DIRECTED LEARNERS.
April 16, 2008 at 4:26 am
limyeowhearn
Second comment:
Having this session on SDL I hope to create a learning environment in my work place that is viable and healthy.
For SDL to succeed, I need to give my staff an understanding on what SDL is. Also I need to provide some guidelines, instuctioins and suggestions. They will be catered to the individuals’ needs as far as possible.
Since on the job situation can be challenging, I hope to be an effective support and resource person who encourages and ultimately enable them to acquire learning as a life long activity.
There will be times when I need to conduct TDL and will not hesitate to do so. Health care is constantly changing and a well informed and developed staff will endorse a vibrant and updated group of health care practitioners who will constantly evaluate for best practises and provide not only safe but optimum patient care.
April 16, 2008 at 4:55 am
tanlinyok
SDL- a life long process, allows one to learn what he wants to learn. set his own learning goals and objectives and best of all to learn at his own pace. I feel that as for nursing training, SDL is only appropriate after they have graduated. Clinical bedside training traditionally teacher led is required in the major part of the training process.
With prior experience SDL will be an advantage as one can fomulate one own’s learning needs and formulate one’s own learning strategies.
SDL can improve one’s confidence , self motivation and become more self independent. In our rapidly changing social and technologically environment SDL is really challenging.