Self-directed learning in its broadest meaning, describes a process in which individuals take the initiative with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulation of learning goals, identifying resources for learning, choosing and implementing learning strategies and evaluating learning outcomes. Thus, it is important to attain new knowledge easily and skillfully for the rest of his or her life.
What is the need for self-directed learning? One reason is that there is convincing evidence that people, who take the initiative in learning, learn more things and learn better than people waiting to be taught. The second reason is that self-directed learning is more in tune with our natural processes of psychological development: an essential aspect of maturing is developing the ability to take increasing responsibility for our own lives to become increasingly self-directed. The third reason is that many of the new developments in education put a heavy responsibility on the learners to take a good deal of initiative in their own learning. To meet the challenge in today's instructive environment, self-directed learning is most essential.
Which word describes self-directed learning?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Motivated learning
To be motivated is to have a strong wish to do something by one's own choice. Self-directed learners take the initiative in their own learning without waiting to be taught, which is learning driven from within, that is, motivated learning.
Example: Motivated students do their homework without being told.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Compulsory learning — Incorrect. Contradicted: compulsory means required by a rule. Self-directed learning is chosen by the learner, not imposed.
Option 3: Forced learning — Incorrect. Contradicted: forced learning is imposed by others, the opposite of learning in which the learner takes the initiative.
Option 4: Hopeless learning — Incorrect. Contradicted: the passage presents self-directed learning as useful and essential, not hopeless.