Measuring Readiness for Self-Directed Learning in Medical Undergraduates: A Single Institution Study

BACKGROUNDSelf-directed learning is believed to impart more efficient learning than the traditional one. However, it requires learners to possess the readiness for it, which varies in individuals. Measuring the readiness for self-directed learning in the indigenous population would help evaluate self-directed learning in a particular setting.OBJECTIVETo measure the readiness for self-directed learning in medical students for its possible impact on their learning.MATERIAL AND METHODSThe study was done during 2017-2018 amongst the medical students of Princess Nourah University, Riyadh, by using the Fisher’s readiness scale. One-way Anova and bivariate and partial correlation were employed for statistical analysis.RESULTSTotal students were 350 with 96 (27.4%) responding - 73 (76%) of preclinical and 23 (24%) of clinical classes.The total mean readiness score was 123.97(SD16.15) versus the desired >150. Mean scores for the domains of self-management, desire-for-learning, and self–control were 37.8(SD5.9), 38.07(SD5.5), 48.09(SD6.7) versus the desired 47.31, 44.26, and 58.98, respectively.In the pre-clinical group, the total mean readiness score was 122.34(SD16.8), and for self-management, desire-for-learning, and self-control, 37.12(SD6.2), 37.52(SD5.6), and 47.69(SD7.1) respectively. In the clinical group, the respective scores were 129.13(SD12.4), 39.95(SD4.7), 39.82(SD5.02), and 49.34(SD5.09).Preclinical and clinical groups differed significantly in the self-management score (P=.04) but not in total readiness (P=.07), desire-for-learning (P=.08), and self–control (P=.3) scores.Self-control and desire-for-learning had a positive correlation, and also self-control and self-management if self-management or desire-for-learning were controlled respectively (P< .05).CONCLUSIONMean scores for readiness for SDL and its three domains were lower than the desired levels. A hybrid system thus seems more appropriate for the setting.