Students’ Self – directed Learning at University of Social Science and Humanities, National University of Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the level of students’ self–directed learning at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. The study proceeded with a sample of 395 students voluntarily participating in the survey. The sample was calculated according to the Watson sample formula (2001) out of a total of 12,540 students across the university with 50% in level confidence. The research calculated was within the second term of the academic year, 2021 – 2022. The self – assessment self – directed learning scale developed by Williamsons (2007) was administrated in this research to evaluate levels of students’ self–directed learning. The instrument was firstly Vietnamized and evaluated for Cronbach Alpha and Exploratory factors analysis to match with Vietnamese logic thinking and context in this research. The scale comprised 4 aspects of self–directed learning as Awareness, Learning strategies: Learning activities, Evaluation, and Interpersonal Skills. In the pilot research, Cronbach alpha index was respectively 0.862; 0.911; 0.908; 0.905. The results revealed that students’ level of self–directed learning was at an intermediate level. For more specific, students had high awareness and good learning strategies, according to awareness and learning strategies figures. However, there were differences between different academic years in terms of self–directed learning.