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High Readiness for Self-Directed Learning Among Medical Undergraduates

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University has found that medical students have a high readiness for self-directed learning (SDL), with 77.2% of students scoring above 129 on the Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). The study, conducted by researchers from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, aimed to measure the readiness for SDL among first-year undergraduate medical students and identify their SDL needs. The results showed that the students scored high on all four domains of self-directed learning, indicating a strong foundation for self-directed learning.

Key Takeaways:

  • 77.2% of first-year undergraduate medical students demonstrated high readiness for self-directed learning, scoring above 129 on the Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS).
  • The study used the Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) developed by Fischer et al. (2000) and modified and validated for medical students by Hendry & Ginns (2009) to measure readiness for SDL.
  • The mean scores for the four domains of self-directed learning were 20.58 ± 2.91 for Critical Self-Evaluation (SE), 73.46 ± 7.87 for Learning Self-Efficacy (SF), 17.2 ± 2.33 for Self-Determination (SD), and 28.2 ± 3.19 for Effective Organisation for Learning (OL).
  • The study's findings suggest a need to identify and incorporate pedagogical techniques to nurture and enhance SDL competency among medical students.

Statistics:

  • 77.2% of students scored above 129, indicating high readiness for SDL.
  • The observed mean SDLR score was 139.28 ± 13.74 (range 99 - 175).
  • Mean scores on the four domains of self-directed learning were:

+ Critical Self-Evaluation (SE): 20.58 ± 2.91

+ Learning Self-Efficacy (SF): 73.46 ± 7.87

+ Self-Determination (SD): 17.2 ± 2.33

+ Effective Organisation for Learning (OL): 28.2 ± 3.19

Sources:

  • Readiness for self-directed learning among medical undergraduate students: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University, 2025,14(1):150-155.
  • Fischer, L., Nairy, J., & Morganti, J. (2000). Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). Journal of Teacher Education, 51(3), 184-191.
  • Hendry, G. D., & Ginns, P. (2009). Validation of the Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale for medical students. Medical Teacher, 31(10), 931-936.
  • Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad.

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