The purpose of this study is to develop a valid and reliable instrument for measuring self-direction in learning among adult learners. To achieve this goal, the following research questions were established: First, what factors constitute the concept ...
The purpose of this study is to develop a valid and reliable instrument for measuring self-direction in learning among adult learners. To achieve this goal, the following research questions were established: First, what factors constitute the concept of self-direction in learning for adult learners? Second, what are the components of the measurement tool for assessing self-direction in learning among adult learners? Third, is the measurement tool for self-direction in learning among adult learners valid and reliable?
The study was conducted using a mixed research method to solve the research questions. First, in the qualitative phase, the concept was analyzed through a literature review, and a semi-structured interview guide was developed based on the analyzed concept. In-depth interviews were conducted with adult learners using the developed interview guide. The qualitative research participants were 7 adult learners with high self-directed learning who were selected with recommendations from professors in formal and informal learning where the researcher observed the learning process. The interview results were transcribed and analyzed through coding, categorization, and repetitive comparative analysis to confirm categories. As a result of the analysis, 34 attributes, 15 subcategories, and 4 superordinate categories constituting the concept of self-direction in learning were identified. CLOVA Note, Taguette, and Excel programs were used to analyze the qualitative data.
Second, based on the qualitative findings, a preliminary set of 59 items was derived to measure self-direction in learning, and a Likert 5-point scale was designed. The content validity of the items was verified through a Delphi survey with 19 experts. Face validity was confirmed through a pilot study with 63 adult learners. Subsequently, 26 items and the scale were selected based on validity and reliability criteria for the main survey. The analysis used jMetrik 4.1.1 and SPSS 26.0 for item analysis.
Third, in the quantitative phase, 1st and 2nd questionnaire surveys were conducted with 600 adult learners to collect data. Various analyses, including basic item analysis, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, concept validity analysis, criterion validity analysis, Rasch model analysis, and differential item functioning analysis, were performed to develop and validate the final measurement tool. The analysis used SPSS 26.0, Mplus 8.8, jamovi 2.3.28, and jMetrik 4.1.1.
The Self-Direction in Learning Scale (SDiLS) for adult learners was developed, consisting of 15 items across four factors with established validity and reliability. The factors include "Learner Self-Concept" (4 items), measuring awareness of learning readiness, motivation, autonomy, and initiative; "Responsibility in the Learning Process" (3 items), measuring learner responsibility in planning, executing, and evaluating learning; "Management of Personal Learning Environment" (5 items), measuring the learner's ability to manage temporal, spatial, informational, and material learning environments and overcome learning obstacles; and "Creating an Interpersonal Learning Environment" (3 items), measuring the learner's attitude and behavior in seeking help and engaging in interpersonal interactions for learning. Norm scores were provided for ease of interpretation and application of the developed measurement tool.
This study is significant in establishing the concept of self-direction in learning for adult learners through a mixed-methods approach and developing a measurement tool aligned with the concept. Additionally, it addresses statistical shortcomings in existing measurement tools, ensuring validity and reliability through systematic validation methods. Finally, the study discusses implications, suggestions, limitations, and recommendations for future research based on the process, results, and conclusions of the study.