Characteristics Of Self-Directed Learning

1. Describe the essential aspects of a self-directed, intrinsically motivated, active learner?

SELF-DIRECTED

Knowles (1975) mentioned to learn effectively. First we must trust ourselves by developing the ability to gauge the authenticity and trustworthiness of the sources of learning to set the “climate of trust”. Once this is in motion, we must understand we are constantly learning with the conscious and unconscious mind, but by being “self-directed” this suggest there is a purpose, a motivation with a sense of “why”.

The “why” of self-directed learning is survival (emphasis added) – your own survival as an individual, and also the survival of the human race. Clearly we are not talking here about something that would be nice or desirable;

Identify two areas of personal strength and two areas of personal weakness in being a self-motivated and engaged student.

PERSONAL STRENGTH

My personal strength as a self-motivated and engaged student is “Autonomy”. Autonomy is the persistence and self-determination to achieve something to meet personal satisfaction and enjoy the process of learning through engagement. Another key strength would be “Competent”. By being competent I am motivated to confront a problem and treat it as a challenge. This competence allows individuals to be more actively engaged and persist in different behaviours in seeking for a solution.

PERSONAL WEAKNESS

When you are self-motivated, you became “curious” in your study and began to research deep into a subject that interests you. You start to analyse your research and think about how it can be modified and applied to your daily life or work. This research sometimes ended up deviating from the original topic and used up more time than needed, resulting in lack of sleep. The other weakness I have is seeking for “perfection”. You always think you can do better, so you write and re-write and re-write your assessment again and again in the hope of delivering your best to meet your personal