Exploring the relationship between self-directed learning and research competency in graduate students

Abstract

This purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-directed learning and research competency in graduate students. The participants were graduate students studying at the master’s degree level in education programs at one institution of higher education. The total number of participants in this study was sixty-five students (N=65). The Self-Directed Learning Rating Scale (SDLRS) developed by Guglielmino (1977, 1991), was used as the main instrument to evaluate graduate students’ self-directed learning readiness. Data pertaining to questions related to the students’ assessment of their research competencies were also obtained. Analysis of the results showed a moderate correlation (r = .45 p < .01) between Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Research Competency. The results indicate that higher levels of Self-Directed Learning Readiness have a positive effect on the reported level of research competencies. The results of this study indicate that inclusion of self-directed learning (SDL) approaches for graduate students may have beneficial results in improving their research competency that can also contribute to the overall quality of research conducted by graduate students.