Evaluation of the self-directed learning readiness of different healthcare profession students in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Self-learning is a process in which the initiative is on the individual and in which the individual determines his/her own learning necessities, aims and learning sources with or without the help of others. He/she also chooses appropriate learning strategies and evaluates learning results. This study was aimed at determining the self-directed learning readiness levels of students of nursing, midwifery and nutrition-dietetics. Methods: The design of this study is descriptive. A total of 335 nursing, 171 midwifery, and 170 dietetic students participated in this study. This study was conducted at a local university in Turkey. Results: In the study, more than half of the students (67.7%) demonstrated a high level (>150) of SDLR. There were statistical differences between students’ academic year, reading habits, and willingness to proceed to post-graduate training in the SDLR scores. Conclusions: Our findings are encouraging and could help staff to assist students who require additional assistance to access strategies to develop the skills of self-management, desire for learning and self-control for use in an educational setting. Future research should address the facilitating factors for SDLR, barriers to SDLR and strategies to improve SDLR among health profession students.