Self-directed learning (SDL), advocated as an active learning tool for medical students to improve competency in knowledge acquisition, has gained prominence in medical curricula. With audiovisual devices like a whiteboard or PowerPoint presentation, a single lecturer often delivers the typical didactic lecture in medical education for a sizable student body. The emphasis on student initiative in learning has led to the emergence in medical curricula of novel learning strategies like problem-based learning (PBL) and self-directed learning. Self-directed learning is a process in which individuals ideally take the initiative and responsibility. Self-directed learning also enables health professionals to continue learning and updating knowledge during their careers.
Self-Directed Learning Activities
Encourage learners to engage in the following activities.
Identify Learning Goals
The first step of the process is to identify what to learn.
Question the Significance
Make a habit of not taking things for face value, and ask questions.
Seek Out Challenges
Identify a problem that matters and that would be rewarding to solve.
Monitor the Self-Directed Learning Process
Set criteria for success and move towards unique learning objectives.
Evaluate the Self-Directed Learning Approach
Take a moment to consider what format or medium facilitates learning.
Use Game-Based Motivation Strategies
Make use of effective reward systems. Give oneself reasons to put in the extra effort.
Start with Background on a Topic
Understand the context before delving into a particular topic.
Cultivate Intrinsic Motivation
Create enjoyment by delving into fascinating material.
Create Something from the Self-Directed Learning
Make a habit of creating something–a diagram, a journal entry– with the new material. This helps solidify material into long term memory and contributes to future learning endeavors.
Share the Learning with Others
Boost concentration and recall by planning how to share the new material with another person.
Practice Using What You’ve Learned
Create opportunities to use practical knowledge.
Build a Network of “Learning Colleagues”
Take advantage of online and in-person communities that support collaboration and the learning journey.
Appreciate the Benefits of Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning enables us to focus our efforts on the knowledge we don’t already have and exposes us to that we wouldn’t otherwise have access to through passive observation. Self-directed learning is active, which aids in the encoding and long-term retention of information.
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HAMZA ATHAR is a third-year MBBS (bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery) student at QUAID-E-AZAM medical college, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
REFERENCES:
Franchi, T., Magudia, A., & Rasheed, A. (2020). Appropriate use of self-directed learning at medical school prepares students for future clinical practice. Medical education online, 25(1), 1752450. https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2020.1752450
Pai, K. M., Rao, K. R., Punja, D., & Kamath, A. (2014). The effectiveness of self-directed learning (SDL) for teaching physiology to first-year medical students. The Australasian medical journal, 7(11), 448–453. https://doi.org/10.4066/AMJ.2014.2211
Patra, S., Khan, A. M., Upadhyay, M. K., Sharma, R., Rajoura, O. P., & Bhasin, S. K. (2020). Module to facilitate self-directed learning among medical undergraduates: Development and implementation. Journal of education and health promotion, 9, 231. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_125_20
Ricotta, D. N., Richards, J. B., Atkins, K. M., Hayes, M. M., McOwen, K., Soffler, M. I., Tibbles, C. D., Whelan, A. J., Schwartzstein, R. M., & (on behalf of Millennium Conference 2019 writing group) (2021). Self-Directed Learning in Medical Education: Training for a Lifetime of Discovery. Teaching and learning in medicine, 1–11. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10401334.2021.1938074
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