Self-directed Learning Readiness and Learning Styles among Nursing Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• rediness
• self-directed learning
• learning styles
• nursing students
• nursing education