Self-Directed Learning and Student attitudes as correlates of academic achievement performance

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Self-Directed Learning and Student attitudes as correlates of academic achievement performance

A thesis presented to The Institute of Education

Far Eastern University – Manila

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree Bachelor of Secondary Education

Major in English

ByKim, Soo Jin

Lee, Jung MinLee, Nain

MARCH 2013

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Chapter 1INTRODUCTION

This paper examines and discusses the academic achievements of students

through the use of self-directed learning method. The attitude of each student is

included as well. The purpose is to prove whether or not this study is indeed a key

factor leading to successful academic performance of teen learners provide that the

availability of learning materials these days are ubiquitous. The use of survey and

interviews to some junior and senior students in Metro Manila is done to examine

intensively the role of this learning process to each learner school performance.

Background of the Study

The idea of self-directed learning has sprouted since the ancient time. Many

famous Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, learned through self

study (Hiemstra, 1994). Documentation about the use of this technique has been done

and celebrated of several people around the world. It contemporarily took place in

places like the United States of America and in Great Britain in the 1800s (Craik, 1840).

In recent years much of the research has focused on identifying key factors that

leads to academic success among students of different levels. However, the self

directed learning process is more successful for people who were mature enough to

know their responsibility as a student. Consequently, only adult learners are capable of

learning using this method effectively. Indeed, the technological advantages nowadays

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can cater the needs of each young learner to study by his own pace, time and style

without the presence of the traditional teacher. It gives student freedom as well.

However, the characteristics of individual students are optimal in the process. It is the

task of the researchers to find out through this study how students attitudes correlates

with the self-directed learning style to help students excel academically. The creativity

and leadership of individual students will be developed through this process. Likewise,

each student will become a more responsible adult in the future by exposing them to

an independent situation. Moreover, several researchers have explained that giving

some learning responsibility back to the learners in many situations is more beneficial

than other approaches (Heimstra, 1994).

Statement of the Problem

With so many learning theories that are available these days, many researchers

came out explaining modifications with the old ones to cater the needs of the present

generations. People are always trying to find solutions as the problem arises. The self-

directed learning has been done long time ago. Research found out that this strategy is

effective most specially with the adult learners: a more mature age bracket. These are

people who are responsible enough to do it. However, young learners also mature

earlier nowadays because of the many available resources brought by the technological

innovations. Therefore the researchers want to answer the following questions if this

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self directed learning and students attitudes could really help to make the learners

successful academically:

1. What is the profile of the respondents according to:

A. Age

B. Gender

C. Course of study

D. General weighted average

2. What are the strategies related to Self-Directed learning used by the

respondents?

3. What are the Attitudes of students according to:

A. Age

B. Gender

C. Course of Study

D. General weighted average

4. What self-Directed learning program can be proposed to enhance the

academic performance of the respondents?

Significance of the Study

The self directed learning process and students attitudes play an important

factor to become successful academically. This study challenges the belief that learning

takes place only in the presence of accredited teachers. Much study has already proven

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that this method is effective especially to the adult learners. On the other hand, the

researchers are optimistic that young learners are also capable of learning this way

because of the availability of many learning resources anywhere.

By conducting this study, researchers believe that many high school students in

Metro Manila will enjoy the benefits of this research. The parents will be less stress

with the financial burden that many schools are throwing at them. The community will

also reap the fruit because an individual could be more productive while they are

learning on their own. The following are just some of the numerous significances that

this study can provide to learners:

1. Students. They are the respondents and foremost beneficiary of the study. This

study is aimed to them to make their learning more effective. This method

develops student’s creativity by studying independently.

2. Parents. This is not only for the respondents per se but also for the parents who

spends money just to provide their children their good education. Once their

children applied this strategy, they will not have to worry about spending

money just to motivate their teens to learn.

3. Teachers. Once the students study independently, teachers are not anymore

worried about the many preparations just to get them to study. Like devising

many strategies on how to excite them to study. They will just act as their coach

or facilitator.

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4. School. Once the students are learning effectively using this method, they don’t

have to spend a lot of money for the remedial classes, review classes, and

academic related activities. Less use of facilities will save much electricity. Aside

from that, once their students are successful, their school also encourages more

students therefore more income and prestigious.

5. Community. The community comprises different types of families. Once the

learners follow this self study method, the teenagers will be more productive

and they could find time to help their community as an extracurricular activity.

In here the teens can already apply their ability to lead others.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The scope and delimitations of this research are students from different schools

in Metro Manila. Learners from third year and fourth year who are enrolled this school

year 2012-2013 are the subject of this study.

The availability of learning materials nowadays gives the learners a chance to

follow the self- directed learning method. Not only adults are capable of reaping the

benefits of this process but also the junior and senior high school students. The

researchers believe that they are mature enough to study by themselves and this is of

course always associated with the right attitude towards learning.

However, learners below this age group are not covered by the research. Other

places are not yet ready for this learning style may find this foreign to them. Those with

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enough knowledge and resources may find this study applicable to them. The

scale the researchers may use will still be under revision.

Definition of Terms

This research gives emphasis with the significant words that are use to further

clarify what the researchers want to accomplish. The terms below are the used in this

research to materialize its objectives.

1. Attitude. The learner’s reaction about self directed learning process and their

ability to solve and study on their own, the strategy they make to make learning

fruitful.

2. Self-directed Learning. This is a process by which a student learns on his/her

own pace and style independently.

3. Students. These are the person involve in the learning program. They are the

ones apply the self directed program in this research.

4. Accomplishments. These are the skills and good attitude that has been

acquired through self study program.

5. Learning. The cognitive process of acquiring skills and knowledge applying

the self study technique.

6. Academic. The theoretical subject that follows set of rules and standards that

lack practicality.

7. Correlation. The mutual relation between self directed learning process and

students’ attitude that has the tendency to vary together.

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8. Theory. The proposed explanation, like the self directed learning theory,

whose status is still under experimentation.

9. Scale. The material or method use to gather data through survey.

Chapter 2Review of Related Studies

I. Self-Directed Learning(Overview)

In a research entitled Self-Directed Learning: Views of Teachers and Students found out

that one problem that they encounter was the difficulty in articulating a precise definition

of self-directed learning. ( Jaquelina Hewitt- Taylor, 2001) It is both believed that students

take more responsibility for learning SDL than in traditional learning. In her research, some

define SDL as learning with the help of a tutor, programmed or structured, by using

portfolio and with a teacher to facilitate the learning. In her findings she concluded that

although there was evidence that both teachers and students felt it appropriate to share

responsibility for learning, some teachers felt that some students often wanted teachers’

control. Some teachers said that, despite being supportive of SDL’s principles, it was not

always easy for teachers to relinquish control.

Most researchers believe that self-directed learning helps promote the creativity and

innovation potential of individuals, groups, organizations, and countries. It is a process in

which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others (Knowless, 1977).

This is considered to be the best of all studies. In any facet of life, this method proves to be

crucial in making an individual cope with the rapid changing of life. Self directed learning

originated in the field of adult education but due to the availability of internet, information

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is readily available to everyone. This research uses this method to apply it not to adult

education per se but to younger learners too. Since many teenagers nowadays are believed

to be active learners. They have the strong desires for learning as well.

There are reports that a positive relationship between self directed learning and

academic success in a traditional classroom setting.(Daryamanti 1994) However, there are

three dimensions that are crucial to make an individual successful using this method of

learning. First, someone should be intrinsically motivated to learn. One should know that

studying will make their life worthy. Next, the metacognition , one should have prior

knowledge of what he should be learned. Finally, self –regulation that is you are

independent and you have the initiative. In other words, independence, self- management,

desire for learning, and high problem solving skills are require to be able the learner to

adapt the method.

Research has shown that academic achievement is significantly higher for students who

participate in self-directed learning. (Sobral,1997) many believed that adding Self-directed

learning to traditional learning approaches such as lectures, educators will be better able to

keep students engaged. The purpose is to enhance learning by utilizing self-directed

learning approaches in student development.

II. Student Attitudes and Academic performance

Research entitled Student attitudes and Academic Performance suggests

that the influence of the educational context on engagement is partially mediated

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by psychological beliefs about competence and control. Next parts briefly

summarize the literature relevant to these points. Students conduct when they

have positive emotional responses to learning in school, display curiosity, desire to

know more and they also lead to success or learning. Researchers agree that

engaged student learn more, keep more what they learn, and enjoy learning

activities more than students who are not engaged.(Theresa M. 2006) Who have

advantageous attitudes is more active and do their effort to their jobs like

assignment, activities. There are types of students in the class. Students who do

not think that they cannot finish assignment successfully are afraid of what they

are doing. The reason why student give up her works even they cutting class or

dropping out. In addition, such students are more likely to avoid putting much

effort into their job because they might offer failure grade or they have low ability

to do their job. While student who have more positive mind success what she

doing and getting high grade from their job.

Americans are popular for the freedom of education. They let their student

explore the world, allowing students to learn by themselves. In addition, Americans

believe that students who direct all or part of their learning tend to do better

academically, are more active, and have better social skills and more positive

attitudes about school. Moreover, trusting the students is paramount to their

success in the future. They hate autonomy so these affect students’ attitudes about

school.

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According to Bandura the human behavior is influences by the environment

or vice versa and involves to each kind of intrinsic individual factors in effect the

attitude of a person is highly influences.

III. Self-Directed Learning and Student attitudes

According to William James, the greatest discovery of any generation is that

human being can alter his life by altering his attitude. An attitude is an idea

about ourselves, how we think, which is supported by an appropriate feeling.

These usually originated from experiences we have had, usually early in our

lives.

The attitude of self directed people is an essential factor to make it a success.

In so many research done and articles written related to this, they pinpoint the

attitudes of self directed people. Whether they are young learners or adult

learners, they have shown almost similar characteristics: independence, self

management, desire for leaning, and problem solving. Maurice Gibbons (2008)

summarizes the seven attitudes of self- directed people according to her

article.

The first attitude would be the commitment of such person to responsibility.

This person thinks that the success depends upon them not from other people.

The second attitudes the author cited is the learners self awareness. This

usually boosts their self esteem so it gives them direction in life. They are not

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likely to fail in their commitment. The third attitude is curiosity. They are

always asking questions which are unusual and this leads them to discovery of

something. They usually wonder why a particular phenomenon is happening.

Then the fourth attitude is the drive or the motivation his people have. They

are always on the go to discover for themselves. They are very energetic

person. Next attitude is their being optimistic people. They are hopeful though

they are in an almost impossible situation but still they are expectation is

always about its success. Then another attitude that they have is courage.

These people are risk taker, these people are not afraid of any difficulty that

they might go through. Finally and most importantly is these people’s

determination in achieving their objectives. One says that these people are

usually unstoppable.

IV. Synthesis

Many researchers related to this research show positive result on the

academic performance of each student, especially adult learners, using the SDL

method of learning. The broad definition of SDL arrives many researchers to

different types of SDL processes. Each of them defines it in a somewhat distinctive

way although the main concept is actually focuses on independent learning.

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Attitude of learners are studied separately and have been discussed in a broader

sense of education.

Most democratic countries such as America are one of the pioneer

proponents of this type of learning although the term SDL was just utilized earlier.

The term was rooted from the idea of freedom in learning styles. People hold on to

this belief in relation to actual situation outside the school. Consequently, it

develops creativity and innovation to cope with the rapid changes in world. They

believed that the success of every individual lies much on their creativity, which is

generally the result ones initiative in learning.

In the Philippines educational setting, implementation of this method is not

clearly define but many students who excel in their academics are people who

make their extra effort of studying independently and are highly motivated to

learn. The researchers did not find any studies relating to this case. Therefore,

clearly defining this process in this country is somewhat obscure yet. However, the

researchers will clearly explain how the students in this country surpass other

learners. Many think that students outdo others naturally because of their genes,

others think that it depends on which school they attends to, some people say it

the attitude who determines their success in life. The researchers believe that the

last reason could be the biggest factor that defines success academically.

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Chapter 3Methodology

Most study of self-directed learning is focused on adult learners. This research,

on the other hand, will introduce this method to much younger participants who are

teenagers to find out whether this style is effective in improving their academic

performance. Moreover, the attitude of each learner is highly considered in this study.

3.1. Research design

The research design use in this study is descriptive type. The researchers

describe the data collected and characteristic of the attitude of participants using the

self directed learning style. Descriptive design is a common method of qualitative

research used in the social sciences subjects to monitor the behavior of a subject

without affective that subject. This is popularly used as a precursor to quantitative

research.

The researchers therefore, chose this design because the topic of research is

correlates between self-directed learning and students’ attitude to academic

achievement. This correlation design is used to determine the relationship between

two or more variables.

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This is best used for this research because in this research will use survey

questions for correlating the subject of this research. However, the data collected are

based on attitude and opinion of the respondents and it does not accurately represent

the overall results of the students in the Philippines as a whole.

3.2. Research Participants

The research participants are teenagers in their junior and senior high school

level from Trinity University of Asia, Metro Manila. The participants’ personal data are

given for future references and as proof. There are 15 participants for this study.

The respondents are teenagers between fifteen to eighteen years old. Most of

them are in their third and fourth year high school level. % Filipino and % Korean

nationals who are studying in the same institution. They are all average learners taken

randomly for the survey.

3.3. Research Environment

The research environment of this study is mostly educational and academic. The

characteristics of each participant are not focus on other non educational environment.

This study covers only people who are studying in Trinity University of Asia, Metro

Manila. The participants are average students who belong to upper middle class family.

The average student per class is 15. One hundred percent connected to technological

advancement tools and the SDL learning style is possible. In terms of accessibility in

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learning materials, they are far more advantageous compared with students who are

enrolled in other local schools. We have chosen this school……………….

3.4. Research instruments

The researchers use the available information, observation, interview and

survey questionnaires necessary to materialize the objectives of this study. Moreover,

the interview questions are structured and open-ended type.

a. Personal Data form- this form is attached to the questionnaire survey form to be

filled up by each participant. Mostly about participant’s age, school name and year

level.

b. Self-Directed Assessment Tool - the survey questionnaire for self directed learning

and survey questionnaire for student’s attitude is the main tool of the research.

Questionnaire for SDL is based on Guglielmino’s scale also known as Learning

Preference Assessment (LPA) developed in 1977. It measures the complex attitudes,

skills, and characteristics that comprise an individual’ current level of readiness to

manage learners own learning.

c. Student’s Attitude Survey questionnaire – this is used to measure the attitude of

the learners and how this attitude affects the academic achievement. Developed and

used by Jennifer Schwartz in her research entitled “Self-Directed Learning Student

Attitudes.”It is widely used by many researchers nowadays.

3.5. Research Procedure

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The first step of the research is study carefully the related researches about the

research. Gathering data are the next part by disseminating the questionnaires to the

selected respondents from ____________ in Metro Manila. These two questionnaires

contain 20 items for SDLS and 40 questions including 5 open – ended questions for

Student’s Attitude. Immediately after receiving the completed questionnaires, the

researchers will get the average of each respondent and interpret it using standard

deviation method. The process is treated in two ways: Numerically and in a narrative

way. Organizing data and summarizing raw data gathered follows immediately. Finally,

data interpretation and conclusion will be done.

3.6. Statistical treatment

The statistical treatment is highly descriptive in this study. Data collection is

utilize by using charts, table and standard measurement such as percentiles and

calculating the average or mean the given data.

1. Central Tendency is the standard measurement using the average mean of the raw

score of the completed questionnaires.

2. Tabulation is utilized to see clearly the result of each survey.

3. The charts using the percentile method will also be made.

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Self-Directed Learning and Student attitudes as correlates of academic achievement performance