A Center-Based Model for Self-Directed Learning in Sustainability

2022 ◽  
pp. 97-118
Author(s):  
Linda D. Manning ◽  
Jennifer E. Jones ◽  
Vanessa Buehlman ◽  
Jessica M. Deal ◽  
Lydia J. Showalter

An innovative platform for self-directed learning around sustainability issues in higher education is achievable via a center-based framework that uses a living lab model. This chapter identifies classroom and institutional barriers and challenges to sustainability-focused self-directed learning using interview data from undergraduate students who have contributed to real change on campus and in the community. The authors posit an alternative framework for sustainability-focused self-directed learning housed in an interdisciplinary center by providing insight on the necessary structures, resources, and processes. This chapter concludes with a discussion of how self-directed learning (1) supports emerging adults' developmental processes in navigating the borderland of adolescence to adulthood and (2) contributes to potential solutions to wicked problems.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zamzami Zainuddin ◽  
H. Habiburrahim ◽  
Safrul Muluk ◽  
Cut Muftia Keumala

The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of implementing a Learning Management System (LMS) ‘TES BlendSpace’ to promote students’ self-directed learning in EFL flipped-class instruction. For the data collection procedure, an individual interview with ten undergraduate students from an Indonesian college was conducted to demonstrate the potential impacts of the LMS in students’ self-directed learning abilities. The observation of students’ learning activities on the TES BlendSpace was also recorded to support the interview data. The LMS was adopted to distribute and receive information. Thus, the students were able to monitor learning activities, learn the contents before coming to class, evaluate the learning process, and interact with others outside of class hours. The finding of this study suggests that the LMS TES BlendSpace is recommended to be performed in teaching EFL for higher education in Indonesia. It offers students’ occasion to practice and enhances their listening, writing, reading and vocabulary skills in and out-of-class times. It also prepares students to get ready for classroom activities in terms of conversations and speaking skills. The further use of the LMSs should become often-visited sites by students for learning activities and replacing other non-educational favorite websites. The finding of this study indicates that the students’ online culture was predominantly formed by the interesting contents posting on the LMS, especially the video lectures and an easy way to use. Additionally, instructors should develop activities in and around the LMS with a number of benefits and rewards. Hence, the students will be motivated to log in the LMS for learning purposes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 65-82
Author(s):  
Jessica K. Frawley ◽  
Laurel Evelyn Dyson ◽  
James Wakefield ◽  
Jonathan Tyler

In recent years educational, industry and government bodies have placed increasing emphasis on the need to better support the development of “soft” skills or graduate attributes within higher education. This paper details the adoption of a student-generated multimedia screencast assignment that was found to address this need. Implemented within a large introductory accounting subject, this optional assignment allowed undergraduate students to design, develop and record a screencast so as to explain a key accounting concept to their peers. This paper reports on the trial, evaluation and redesign of this assignment. Drawing on data from student surveys, practitioner reflections and descriptive analysis of the screencasts themselves, this paper demonstrates the ways that the assignment contributed to the development and expression of a number of graduate attributes. These included the students' skills in multimedia, creativity, teamwork and self-directed learning. Adopting free-to-use software and providing a fun and different way of learning accounting, this novel approach constitutes a sustainable and readily replicable way of supporting graduate attribute development. This paper contributes understandings that will be relevant to both researchers and practitioners.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dang Thi Thanh Thuy ◽  
Tang Thi Thuy ◽  
Trinh Van Minh

This article aims to provide the selected findings of self-directed learning readiness assessment to undergraduate students in various countries. It also offers relevant recommendations for promoting self-directed learning to Vietnamese higher education institutions. Through desk study by analyzing articles and studies of self-directed study readiness assessment, the result shows that the level of self-direct learning readiness among undergraduate students is different due to the influence of mental, social and demographic variables. Some practical recommendations for higher education institutions, students, teachers and researchers are proposed to promote self-directed learning. It is expected that this study will partly contribute to promote the students’ initiative and creativity in learning associated with lifelong learning.


Author(s):  
Inga Laizāne

The Latvian language as a foreign language (LATS) is learned both in Latvia and abroad. It can be done in higher education institutions, as well as in different courses and self-directed learning. Outside Latvia, there are many countries and higher education institutions where it is possible to acquire LATS. In some higher education institutions, the Latvian language has been taught since the beginning of the 20th century. The oldest LATS teaching traditions are in North America, Germany, Sweden, Lithuania and Australia. In some universities, such as Stockholm University, Masaryk University, Saint Petersburg State University, etc., academically strong study programs in Baltic Studies were established. Over time, study programs have been closed for various reasons, at most leaving the Latvian language as an optional course. At some universities, the Latvian language course has been discontinued. Although in some higher education institutions outside Latvia LATS could be acquired starting from the beginning of the 20th century, the most significant interest in the Latvian language was after the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia. Then many higher education institutions in Europe established Latvian language and culture study programs. This interest was related to the geopolitical situation. People tried to get to know the post-Soviet countries through the language. When Latvia joined the European Union, interest in the Latvian language decreased in Europe. Nowadays, interest in the Latvian language has increased in Asia, especially in China. In Asia, it is possible to acquire the Latvian language in China and Japan. There are established different Latvian language bachelor programs in universities of China while in Japan the Latvian language is taught for somebody interested in Latvian culture and traditions more than in the Latvian language.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 257-261
Author(s):  
Filomena Soares ◽  
Ana Paula Lopes ◽  
Anna Cellmer ◽  
Anne Uukkivi ◽  
Carolina Rebollar ◽  
...  

AbstractEmbracing tertiary education system represents the beginning of a transition and adjustment period for several students. Most of these have just finished high school where the environment is strictly defined, controlled, stable and attendance is mandatory. Higher Education changes the role of students’ responsibility and this can cause stress and difficulty in the transition to self-directed learning and autonomy promotion. The purpose of this paper is to present an Erasmus+ project that brought together six Higher Education Institutions from different European countries and to describe its current stage. This project aims to develop a shared understanding of engineering mathematics at an early stage of tertiary education and to raise awareness of cultural, professional and educational issues. The initial focus of the work is on the partners’ mutual interest in active learning, particularly the application of Information and Communication Technology in the field of engineering education. When finalised, the project hopes to provide students with a new authentic engineering mathematics subject which meets their needs. This is also the core reason why the on-line course will be composed using innovative pedagogics and ICT tools, as appropriate pedagogics supports students’ procedural, conceptual and application understanding in mathematics and enhances digital competencies, literacy and skills.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0255177
Author(s):  
Zahid Shafait ◽  
Muhammad Asif Khan ◽  
Yuriy Bilan ◽  
Judit Oláh

Objective: Drawing on the knowledge-based view and ability-based theories of emotional intelligence (EI), in this study, we investigate the effects of EI on learning outcomes related to academics and administrators in Chinese research universities and we also test the direct association between learning outcomes and creative performance. In addition, we examine the mediating role of self-directed learning (SDL) and knowledge management processes (KMPs) on the relationship between EI and learning outcomes. Methods: The sample, for this study, consisted of 547 academic and administrative personnel at Chinese higher educational institutions (HEIs), and the hypothesized associations were examined through partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results: Our results indicated that EI has no significant influence on learning outcomes. However, an indirect relationship between EI and learning outcomes is established through SDL and KMPs. Conclusions: This study strengthens the professional understanding of EI and supports that the personnel at HEIs should value SDL and KMPs, which in turn enhances their learning outcomes. Although EI has received increased importance in higher education institutions, there are few studies that have investigated the relationship of EI, SDL, KMP, and learning outcomes. This is one of the initial studies that has empirically examined the interface of EI and learning outcomes in HEIs and also provides timely insights into the understanding of the mediating role of SDL and KMP.


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