Experiential Learning Environments: Do They Prepare Our Students to be Self-Directed, Life-Long Learners?

S. Jiusto, D. DiBiasio
2006 Journal of Engineering Education  
Recent research indicates that traditional academic structures may not effectively promote self-directed learning. We investigated whether an experiential interdisciplinary projects program, called the Global Studies Program, increased readiness for selfdirected learning (SDL) and life-long learning (LLL) using three methods: a nationally recognized course evaluation system called the Individual Development and Educational Assessment system (IDEA); an internal student project quality assessment
more » ... protocol; and the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). Student self-assessments through the IDEA system showed Global Studies Program students reported much greater progress in LLL-related skills than did national and local comparison groups. Similarly, review of student projects by independent faculty teams found Global Studies Program students consistently outscored on-campus project students in LLL-related measures by wide margins. The SDLRS also showed a positive, but less emphatic increase in SDL readiness among a Global Studies Program cohort. The research demonstrates the success of one experiential learning environment in promoting SDL/LLL, while raising interesting issues regarding alternative methods of measuring potential benefits.
doi:10.1002/j.2168-9830.2006.tb00892.x fatcat:kvygipe7mjdyrmfhuzf7zwqjna