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SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

‘In its broadest meaning, self-directed learning describes a process in which individuals take
the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs,
formulation learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing
and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes’
(Knowles, M. (1975). Self-Directed Learning. Chicago: Follet. p.18)

At the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, we want students to drive their own learning.
While this may appear easy to do on paper, learning to learn independently can be a challenge.
Some of you may have the inherent characteristics of a self-directed learner. For others, you
will have to train yourself to be a self-directed learner. While the faculty and lecturers are
ready to guide you in your teaching and learning via an outcome-based curriculum, self-
directed learning goes a step further by expecting students to display [Figure 1]:

Ownership of Learning:

• Articulate learning gaps
• Set learning goals
• Identify learning tasks to achieve the goals
• Extension of own learning
• Learn beyond the curriculum
• Empowerment through self-learning
• Management and monitoring of own learning
• Explore alternative methods of learning
• Make sound decisions
• Formulate questions and generate own inquiries
• Plan and manage workload and time effectively and efficiently
• Reflect on your learning
• Use feedback to inform and improve yourself
• Develop skills of self-directed learner
• Acquire positive habits
• Develop healthy coping strategies
• Ensure self-care

(Source: The ICT Connection @ https://ictconnection.edumail.sg)

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Biomedical Science Programme Guidebook 2024/2025