Open AccessEvaluation of Self-Directed Learning Readiness among Undergraduate Students in an Indian Physical Therapy Institute
Author(s) -
Prachita Walankar,
Vrushali Panhale
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of science and healthcare research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2455-7587
DOI - 10.52403/ijshr.20210701
Subject(s) - autodidacticism , curriculum , medical education , test (biology) , psychology , social skills , lifelong learning , statistical significance , interpersonal communication , personality , medicine , pedagogy , paleontology , social psychology , psychotherapist , biology
Self-directed learning (SDL) is an essential element in medical education to foster lifelong learning. Self-directed learning readiness is the extent to which an individual has the attitude, ability, skill and personality characteristics essential for SDL. This study aimed to analyze self-directed learning readiness among physiotherapy students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 288 undergraduate physiotherapy students using Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning (SRSSDL) to assess self-directed learning readiness. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 21. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. A total 288 participants, 143(49.65%) were in preclinical phase and 145 (50.35%) in clinical phase. Out of 288 physiotherapy students, 60.76% students had moderate level, followed by 37.5% with high level and 1.74% with low level of SDL readiness. The total SRSSDL score was higher in clinical students as compared to preclinical students using independent t test (p=0.000). Also, subscale scores of SRSSDL, awareness (p=0.000), learning strategies (p=0.000), learning activities (p=0.000), evaluation (p=0.000) and interpersonal skills (p=0.04) were higher in clinical students as compared to preclinical students using independent t test. The study showed that physiotherapy students had moderate level of SDL readiness. The SDL readiness was found to be higher in clinical students as compared to preclinical. It will assist the medical educators to incorporate more active learning strategies to enhance SDL skills and help in curriculum development. Keywords: Self-directed learning, physical therapists, medical education, students.