What is Self-Directed Learning?
Self-Directed Learning (SDL) is this crazy new modern idea that the person learning chooses what they want to learn, and how they will go about it. I joke, but many people still find the concept of choosing your own path utterly baffling. SDL has always been around, but has been gaining more momentum in the recent years because of the internet, and because schools and colleges are not evolving to suit the modern learner. Check out this video for more insights into the stagnant nature of school today.
Here’s my condensed opinion based on my SDL experiences, and those of others I’ve watched and talked to who are also Self-Directed Learners.
In a nut shell a Self-Directed Learner thinks about what they’re interested in, and wants to learn more about. Then they might develop a learning schedule or plan if they want some structure, or just start exploring and see where it takes them. They may use videos, books, libraries, online websites and courses to explore an area in depth, and often look to someone with more knowledge in their area of interest to help guide and develop what they learn.
Usually Self-Directed Learners are interested in value-creation and doing something with the information they discover, and this helps to consolidate what they’ve learned. They might teach someone else about what they learnt, write about in on their online blog or create an infographic to share with their peer group. For a SDL the opportunities to gain and share knowledge are endless in our era of information on the internet.
The Alliance of Self-Directed Education has some really interesting points about what exactly it is and some ways to get started. I recently wrote about the resources I found helpful when I began my learning journey, and you may find it useful.
All the best on your SDL journey,
Kate
