PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY REGARDING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING- AN EXPLORATORY STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: Self-directed method allows the student to empower themselves and take total control on their personal growth and increase their educational level. Self-directed learning allows the student to self-motivate themselves to not only reply solely on traditional classroom setting but methods like online studying, seminars, conferences and going through various research data bases for indebt study of their topics It extends beyond the classroom and into all aspects of life. Materials and methods: A quantitative research approach and exploratory study design was used. A sample of 200 nursing students and 10 nursing faculty of nursing institute was selected using non probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected by 22 structured questionnaire which was validated by 5 experts. Data was using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (chi square test).  Results Nursing students: 164 (82%) of the 200 students that took part in the study were female, with the remaining 36 (18%) being male. Of the total number of pupils, 85 (42.5%) were under 21 years old, and the remaining 115 (57.5%( were above 21, 96 (48%) were in their first year of B.Sc. Nursing, 52 (26%) were in their second year of B.Sc. Nursing, 38 (19%) were in their third year of B.Sc. Nursing First-year P.B.B.Sc. nursing students made up 10 (5%) of the total students, and second-year students made up 4 (2%). Nursing Faculty: 10 faculties that took part in the study 1 (10%) were Male and 9 (90%) were Female, 10 (100%) faculties were above 21 years of age, all 10 (100%) had completed their Masters in Nursing. The results indicated that most participants held positive views on self-directed learning, with 69% of students and 70% of faculty expressing favorable perceptions. The study also found significant association between demographic variables (Gender and Academic Qualification) and perceptions of SDL.

Conclusion: The findings reveal that majority of the nursing students and faculty have positive perception regarding self-directed learning.