Iranian Journal of Medical Education

---

Introduction: Self directed learning has become a focus for nursing education in the past few decades due to the complexity and changes in nursing profession development. The relationship between self directed learning and learning styles is detectable in different learning situations. This study was performed to determine nursing students' readiness for self-directed learning and also identify their learning styles and find out the association between these two concepts. Methods: In a descriptive study in the year 2006, 178 BS, MS, and PhD nursing students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected through stratified random sampling method. Data gathering instruments included 3 questionnaires of demographic features, Guglielmino`s self-directed learning readiness scale, and the Kolb's learning styles inventory. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and interferential statistical methods. Results: Students' readiness for self-directed learning enjoyed a high level in majority of study units and the dominant learning style was the adaptive style. Considering the statistical analysis, no significant relationship was recognized between two main variables. Conclusion: Considering the high level of readiness for self-directed learning in a considerable portion of students and dominance of a single style among majority of them, adaptation and adjustment of teaching methods featuring such learning traits in students is recommended.

---

Introduction: The ongoing rapid changes in science bring about the need of higher education to indepen-dent and self-directed learners. This study seeks the effect of meta-cognition package training on self-directed learning in medical records students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study using two group design with pre-test and post-test, 24 female and male medical records students were selected not randomly. Then, they were assigned randomly to two groups of control and experiment. A researcher made meta-cognition package was taught to the experiment group during 6 two-hour sessions using explanatory method along with question and answer. Data gathering instrument was Williamson self-rating self directed learning scale. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics indices (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Covariance analysis). Results: The mean score of self-directed learning and its subscales in the experiment group, demonstrated the increase in post-test compared to that of pre-test. Conclusion: Teaching meta-cognition package was effective in the enhancement of the total score of self-directed learning and its subscales.

---

Introduction: Self-directed learning development and promotion is one of the major goals of higher education. Since the students are expected to reach a level of individual competence at which they can detect and meet their educational needs without necessarily being in a special educational system and ultimately they can evaluate their learning. Methods: This research is a review on some articles published about self-directed learning in 1990-2008. Results: literature review showed that self-directed learning has had an ascending growth, and this trend is continuing. Conclusion: Recently remarkable attention has been paid to self-directed learning and basic education for its promotion due to its benefits.

---

Introduction: Faculty members, being in charge of cultivating students’ life-long learning capabilities, need a valid and reliable tool to assess self-directed learning readiness among them.The aim of this study was to examine assess reliability and construct validity of the Self Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS).for pre-internship medical and dentistry students. Methods: In a cross-sectional psychometric study, 335 pre-internship medical and dentistry students, studying in Islamic Azad University- Khurasgan and Najaf Abad branches, took the survey in 2008. The subjects completed Fisher’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale(SDLRS). The scale has 40 items in 3 subscales. Data were analyzed through using Spearman Brown correlation coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis by LISREL sofware. Results: The resulting SDLRS consisted of 40 items across the following three domains: Self-management, desire to learning, and self-control. The final model in confirmatory factor analysis revealed that 39 items indicated a good fit of model. The value of Cronbach’s Alpha showed that all of 3 factors have high internal consistency coefficients. Conclution: This scale is a valid and reliable instrument in assessing students’ readiness for self directed learning.

---

Introduction: Considering the effect of the attributional pattern on the individuals' behavior and feelings, nursing instructors should alter undesirable attributions that make students irresponsible toward learning activities. The current study was aimed to investigate the effect of attribution training on the attributional pattern among nursing students of Islamic Azad University-Birjand Branch in the academic year 2009-2010. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 187 nursing students in Birjand branch of Islamic Azad University were randomly assigned to control (n=93) and experimental (n=94) groups. At the beginning, using Julian Rotter’s locus of control Scale, participants' attributional patterns were evaluated. The experimental group received an attribution training program. Then, at the end of study, the students' attributional patterns were again reassessed. Data were analyzed using independent T, paired T, and McNemar's tests. Results: At the beginning of study, the mean attribution score showed an external locus of control pattern in both groups. At the end of the intervention, the mean attribution score of experimental group had decreased significantly (from 9.88±1.89 to 8.76±1.93), which indicated acquisition of an internal locus of control pattern among the experimental group. There was not significant change in the mean attribution score in the control group. There was a significant difference between the mean of score changes in the two groups. That is, the experimental group acquired a more internal locus of control pattern than the control group. Conclusion: It seems that attributional training could be considered for nursing students at the beginning of their admission to the university.

---

Introduction: As a method of instruction in adult education, Self-directed Learning has been widely used in universities across the globe. This study aimed to validate Self-directed Learning Scale (SRSSDL) in Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey study, 400 students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences completed a self-directed learning questionnaire including 60 items and 5 factors. The raw data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and Principle Axis Factoring. Results: The results of principle axis factoring revealed that 53 out of 60 items of this scale were placed in 12 factors instead five. Seven items were eliminated due to lack of factoring effect. Conclusion: The results of the study affirmed high validity and reliability of this scale having 12 factors and 53 items.

---

Introduction: In order to foster lifelong learning, abilities among students, faculties need to have an appropriate instrument to measure the SDLR abilities of medical students. The objectives of this study were to validate Guglielmino´s SDLRS to measure the SDL abilities of medical and dentistry students and to test the reliability of this instrument. Methods: In this cross-sectional study using the systematic sampling method, 355 pre-internship medical and dentistry students studying in Islamic Azad University- Khorasgan and Najaf Abad branches took the survey in 2009. The participants completed Guglilmino´s self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS). The scale has 58 items in 8 subscales. Data were analyzed through using Cronbach´s Alpha, Spearman- Brown, and Guttman correlation coefficients and confirmatory factor analysis by Lisrel software. Results: The resulting SDLRS consisted of 58 items across the following eight factors: Openness to learning opportunities, self-concept as an effective learner, initiation and independence in learning, informed acceptance of responsibility for one´s own learning, love of learning, creativity, ability to use basic study skills, and problem solving skills. The final model in confirmatory factor analysis reveald that 55 items indicated a good fit of model (RMR =0-0.08, RMSEA=0.063, p=0.000-0.003, df=0-35, χ2=0-86.81). The value of Cronbach´s Alpha showed that all 8 factors had suitable internal consistency coefficients and reliability was 0.94 for the whole scale. Conclusion: The Guglielmino´s self-directed learning readiness scale is a valid and reliable instrument for identifying SDLR abilities, skills and attitudes among medical and dentistry students.

---

Introduction: Self directed learning has become a focus of nursing education in the past few decades due to the developmental changes in Nursing and Midwifery. Also one of the factors effecting students' learning is their learning style. This study investigates the preferred learning style and its role in self-directed learning readiness in Nursing and Midwifery students. Methods: The statistical population in this correlation descriptive study included all undergraduate students (N=550) of Nursing and Midwifery in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. A randomly stratified sample of 214 (%27 males and %73 females) received Kolb’s Learning Styles Inventory and Fisher’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics (Mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics techniques (t test, X2 , MANOVA, ANOVA) were used. Results: Response rate was %87. Mean scores of SDLRS in students according to their preferred learning styles were 177.12±30.23, 176.75±21.9, 176.33±18.95 and 186.14±17.55 for divergent, accommodative, assimilative, and convergent styles, respectively. According to ANOVA, these mean scores were not significantly different. Chi2 test showed that while there were significant differences between the frequencies of preferred styles, there was not a significant difference in the prioritized styles between male and female students. The results of t test and MANOVA indicated that there was no significant difference between male and female students in total SDLRS scores and its subscales. Conclusion: The first priority of the majority of students was assimilative style and also there were no significant gender differences in learning styles and SDLRS scores. Accordingly, it is recommended to more adapt and adjust teaching methods to these learning traits in students.

---

Introduction: The need for self-learning and self-motivation in medical students is a necessity in today’s knowledge-based world. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Self-directed learning and school motivation in medical students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study 300 Medical students were selected through the simple random sampling method in 2011-2012 academic years, and completed the standard scales of the Self-rating Scale of Self-directed Learning (SRSSDL) and the Inventory of School Motivation(ISM). The reliability of questionnaires had been verified in previous studies respectively. In this study, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated 0.92& 0.93. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient). Results:Findings of the 265 completed questionnaires showed a positive significant relationship between Self-directed Learning and School Motivation(r=0.448, p=0.001).The correlation coefficient between School Motivation and all factors of Self-directed learning was significant and the highest score belonged to the Evaluation factor(r=0.429, p=0.0005). The correlation coefficient between Self-directed learning and all factors of School motivation was significant and the highest score belonged to the Effort factor(r=0.544, p=0.0005). Conclusion: The results showed a positive and significant relation between School Motivation and Self-directed learning. Developers of medical education and faculty members can use the results of this research to promote the quality of medical education as a step toward medical education development.

---

Introduction: In order to adjust to fast changes and developments in providing health services, nurses must be able to make decisions and solve problems in different situations. Hence, nursing students must learn to be responsible for their own education. To reach this goal, self-directed learning methods are suggested. One of these methods is learning contract. This study aimed to investigate the effects of learning contract on self-directed learning and satisfaction of nursing students. Methods: This quasi-experimental study performed on 59 nursing students of Iran University of Medical Sciences during their internship in pediatric ward. In the first half of semester, 27 students were trained by traditional methods (control group) and in the second half, 32 students were trained through learning contract (intervention group). At the end of the training course, self-directed learning and satisfaction with teaching method questionnaires were completed by both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test). Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex and grades. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between self-directed learning scores of the two groups (p=0.019). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups regarding their satisfaction with teaching methods. Conclusion: The use of contract learning in clinical education increases self-directed learning in nursing students. Using this method is recommended to nursing educators due to its special focus on individual differences and theoretical basis of adult learning and improving self-directed learning which is one of the goals of nursing education in the third millennium. However, no significant difference was found in terms of students’ satisfaction with this method suggesting that they need more support and preparation.

---

Introduction: Since electronic interaction of students in teaching-learning process in blended learning as well as identification of factors influencing it are essential, this study aimed to investigate the role of self-directed learning readiness and critical thinking disposition in Nursing and Midwifery students’ interaction in blended learning environment. Methods: This descriptive study was performed on all undergraduate students studying at Nursing and Midwifery school of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (764 students) in 2013-2014 academic years. The sample included 260 subjects who were selected through stratified sampling method using Krejcie and Morgan’s table. The data were collected through Fisher’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, Ricketts' critical thinking disposition questionnaire, and a questionnaire regarding students’ attitudes toward interactions in blended learning environment. The collected data were analyzed using MANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Most students strongly agreed with interaction in blended learning environment (92 percent). A significant difference was found among different aspects of males and females’ self-directed learning readiness (f=15.57 and p<0.01). Self-control, self-management, willingness to learn from self-directed learning levels, and innovation out of critical thinking disposition components were variables that predicted students’ attitudes toward the interaction in blended learning environment (f=24.5 and p<0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that students had a positive attitude toward the interaction in blended learning environment. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on and use the blended learning approach in the current educational system.

---

 
Introduction: For reasons such as the dominance of quantity-oriented approach, traditional educational systems mostly focused on education and its development; however, these systems are now shifting toward research and finding new ways to understand the learning process, its procedures and styles. The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ attitudes toward self-directed learning at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This descriptive-survey study was performed on all students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. A sample of 361 students was selected using proportionate stratified sampling. Measuring tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with an overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient at 0.79. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests and chi-square test.
Results: The most frequent elements were “decision-making by the learner” (4.78±0.79) in the category of perception of self-directed learning, “feeling more confident in one’s ability” (4.91± 0.39) in the category of how to affect learning, “lack of knowledge” (4.78 ± 0.78) in the category of barriers and “good lecture” (4.97 ± 0.51) in the category of motivational factors.
Conclusion: Results indicated that students were not fully aware of what was expected from them on self-directed learning. Individual characteristics played an important role in determining self-directed learning efficiency and lack of knowledge was one of the major obstacles.
 

---

Introduction: Self-directed learning is a process in which learners are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating their own learning. The aim of this study was to examine the exploratory relationship between epistemological beliefs and self-directed learning among nursing students.
Methods: This descriptive, correlational study was conducted on nursing students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Isfahan Azad University (Khorasgan Branch). Research population included 436 and 387 students from the two universities respectively. Using stratified randomized sampling, 159 and 141 students were selected respectively. Research instruments were self-directed and epistemological questionnaires whose validity and reliability had already been confirmed in the literature. Data were analyzed using a statistical package in Social Sciences version 22.
Results: The correlation coefficients were calculated among the components of self-directed learning (self-management, willingness to learn and self-control) and the components “the truth is clear and obvious” at 0.251, 0.361, 0.430, “thinking about oneself is waste of time” at 0.170, 0.298, 0.405, “learning requires effort” at 0.128, 0.250, 0.310, “knowledge should be obtained quickly” at -0.074, -0.0510, 0.018 and “intelligence is not dynamic” at -0.099, -0.078, 0.055. Results of the regression analysis showed that the components “the truth is clear and obvious” and “thinking about oneself is waste of time” explained 11.6 and 18 percent and 3.9 and 16 percent of the components of self-directed learning respectively. Also, “learning requires effort” explained 6 and 9 percent of “willingness to learn” and “self-control” respectively.
Conclusion: Results suggest that epistemological beliefs can be influential in students’ tendency towards self-directed learning.

---