Exploring the Impacts of Self-Directed Learning Approach among Polytechnic Mechanical Engineering Students

Abstract

Rajes K.M. Rajan

Self-Directed Learning (SDL) is an independent learning approach that develops students� learning skills and professional skills through teaching and learning process. To embrace the SDL approach, the Department of Polytechnics has developed Curriculum Information Document Online System (CIDOS) as an online learning platform. Hence, the aim of this research is to study the impacts of SDL approach among polytechnic Mechanical Engineering students in their learning. This study targeted total 82 students from Material Science and Engineering Management classes. And the study, produced mixed findings reporting that students believed that their learning attributes, initiative, control and, selfefficacy have enhanced through SDL. However, the students have issues on motivation since a large number of them reported that they do not know what they are doing in their learning. The validity and reliability test confirmed that the survey instrument is reliable with Croanbach Alpha more than 0.70 whereas One-Sample T-Test proved that all hypotheses were considered significant, p �� 0.005. This study is expected to help educators to improve highlighted elements that need attention in SDL approach via CIDOS.

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