This study aimed to identify the influence of academic self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability on problem-solving ability of university students. The study involved 92 male and female university students in their third and fourth years at a u...
This study aimed to identify the influence of academic self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability on problem-solving ability of university students. The study involved 92 male and female university students in their third and fourth years at a university. Self-efficacy, self-directed learning ability and problem-solving ability were examined using a structured questionnaire. Factors influencing problem-solving ability were analyzed through multiple regression analysis. The average problem-solving ability of the subjects was 3.74, their academic self-efficacy was 3.33, and their self-directed learning ability was 3.69. Analysis of problem-solving ability based on general characteristics revealed significant differences by grade (t=2.047, p= .044) and major (t=2.681, p= .009). Furthermore, problem-solving ability exhibited a significant positive correlation with academic self-efficacy (r= .612, p< .001) and self-directed learning ability (r= .864, p< .001). Additionally, academic self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability were positively correlated (r= .735, p< .001). When examining the factors influencing university students' problem-solving ability, self-directed learning ability (β= .915, p< .001) was identified as a significant predictor, accounting for 73.3% of the variance (F=49.016, p< .001). Through the findings of this study, we confirmed that the self-directed learning ability of university students significantly influences their problem-solving ability. Universities should implement a variety of strategies to enhance students' problem-solving abilities, enabling them to thrive in their college experience.