scholarly journals Evaluating Self-directed Learning Skills in SALC Modules

2014 ◽  
pp. 153-172
Author(s):  
Junko Noguchi
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Skills ◽  
Environment Analysis ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
International University ◽  
Curriculum Renewal ◽  
Renewal Project

The previous four installments of this column have explicated the redesign process of the Self-Access Learning Centre (SALC) curriculum conducted at Kanda University of International University (KUIS) by the Learning Advisor (LA) team. The topics of each installment are: framework and environment analysis (Thornton, 2013); needs analysis (Takahashi et al., 2013); principles and evaluation of the existing curriculum (Lammons, 2013); and piloting and evaluating the redesigned curriculum (Watkins, Curry, & Mynard, 2014) in accordance with the flow of the curriculum process which has been adapted from the design model of Nation and Macalister (2010). Although the assessment process employed in the pilot was mentioned in the previous installment (Watkins et al., 2014), this column installment will discuss assessment for self-directed learning (SDL) in more detail, focusing on the issue of assessment in SDL in general, what kind of assessment process had been implemented at the SALC curriculum previously, and what kinds of changes have been made as part of the ongoing curriculum renewal project.

scholarly journals Needs Analysis: Investigating Students’ Self-directed Learning Needs Using Multiple Data Sources

2013 ◽  
pp. 208-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Takahashi ◽  
Jo Mynard ◽  
Junko Noguchi ◽  
Akiyuki Sakai ◽  
Katherine Thornton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Student Needs ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Environment Analysis ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Directed Learning

As explained in the first installment of this report (Thornton, 2013), the learning advisor (LA) team at Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS) has engaged in redesigning a curriculum for the Self-Access Learning Centre (SALC) by following a framework adapted from the Nation and Macalister (2010) model. This framework, which is based on an investigation of student needs, aims to establish criteria in the shape of clear principles and goals. Following the Environment Analysis stage, detailed in the previous installment of this column (Thornton, 2013), this paper describes the needs analysis stage which was undertaken in 2012.

scholarly journals A Framework for Curriculum Reform: Re-designing a Curriculum for Self-directed Language Learning

2013 ◽  
pp. 142-153 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
The Self ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Environment Analysis ◽  
Design Project ◽  
Directed Learning

Welcome to this new SiSAL column, which will examine a long-term project conducted at one institution in depth over several issues. The focus of this column will be the curriculum design project currently being undertaken at the Self-Access Learning Centre (SALC) at Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS) in Chiba, Japan. In my role as Academic Coordinator of the SALC from 2011-2013, I was in charge of leading this project in its initial stages, before I moved institution. As editor, it is from this perspective, as someone familiar but no longer directly involved in the project, that I hope to collate and introduce a number of columns from the learning advisors and teachers who are conducting the research and designing the new self-directed learning curriculum. In this first installment, a revision of an earlier article which first appeared in the IATEFL Learner Autonomy SIG newsletter, Independence, (Thornton, 2012) I present the background to the project, the framework used to guide it and the results of the first stage, the environment analysis.

The self-directed learning readiness of access to HE students at city college Plymouth, United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
pp. 147797142110429
Author(s):  
Cyril Mbeau ache ◽  
Brian Banks ◽  
Chris Ford
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
The Self ◽  
Point System ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Skills ◽  
Learning Readiness ◽  
City College ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
The Mean

This study examines the levels of self-directed learning skills for students on the Access to HE course at City College and how these skills relate to their academic achievement. In this study, 101 students participated in a survey and their self-directed learning readiness was measured using the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SRSSDL). Achievement was determined using the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff point system. The findings showed that 38% of students on the course had moderate levels of self-directed learning and 62% had high levels of self-directedness. The mean SRSSDL score for all students who took part in the study indicated just an above moderate level of self-directed learning. These findings suggest that areas for improvement should be identified and evaluated and strategies adopted with the help of the teacher to help improve students’ self-directed learning skills. Results from further analysis revealed that self-directed learning is strongly correlated with students’ academic achievement and that SRSSDL total score significantly predicted UCAS points ( p = .049). Based on these findings, including components of self-directed learning in teaching for students on the Access to HE course might be beneficial in improving their overall achievement.

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