SDL by Malcom Knowles

Extracted from his book "Self-Directed learning"

 

Get started in your process

Knowles suggests the following questions to get one started in their Self - Directed Learning process:
 
The simplest steps of scientific inquiry are answering the following questions:
1. What is the question I want an answer to?
-Is it a question worth asking?
-Is it a question you really care about?
-Is it a question that is answerable by data?
-Is the question clear and understandable to others?
 
2. What is the data I need to answer this question?
-Are the data available to you within your limitations of time, money, etc.?
 
3. What are the most appropriate and feasible sources of these data?
 
4. What are the most efficient and effective means I can use to collect these data from these sources?
 
5. How shall I organize and analyze these data to get an answer to my question?
 
6. How will I report my answer and test its validity?
 

Learning contract

A more sophisticated approach is to use the learning contract (with yourself). It consists of:
1. Learning objectives
2. Learning resources and strategies
3. Evidence of accomplishment
4. Criteria and means of validating
 

Competences in SDL

• Understanding the differences between Teacher-Directed Learning and Self-Directed Learning.
• Working collaboratively with others (people and resources).
• Selecting strategies skillfully and with initiative.
• Collecting and validating evidence of accomplishment of various kinds of learning objectives.