Attaining Self-Directed Learning Outcomes Through Experiential Learning

• Published in: IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Lim, Li Hong Idris, Putra, Andi Sudjana, Rudolph, Jennifer, Law, Elliot, Narayan, Akshay
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 22.04.2025
• Subjects: Engineering education; experiential learning; Instruments; knowledge application; Knowledge engineering; Reflection; Robots; self-directed learning; Teamwork
• ISSN: 2165-9567
• DOI: 10.1109/EDUCON62633.2025.11016408

Developing self-directed learners through experiential learning is a transformative approach in education that requires the thoughtful curation of strategies to encourage active engagement, reflection, and application of knowledge. This involves creating real-world learning opportunities and fostering autonomy. We embarked on a study across two groups of students at the National University of Singapore. The first group consists of students from a residence house who participated in an overseas immersion programme in Indonesia. The second group of students from an interest group (NUS Calibur Robotics) participated in an overseas competition, RoboMaster University League in Colorado, Boulder, United States. Our research question in this study was whether experiential learning results in the development of self-directed learning. Several instruments have been adapted, namely the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) originally developed by Murray J. Fisher [1], and revised by Kumar, A.P. [2], as well as the measures of experiential learning and measures of students' approaches to learning and perceived learning generated by Young, M.R. et.al. [3]. Significant improvements were shown across the two groups of students in various dimensions of self-directed learning, like selfmanagement, perceived need for learning, critical thinking and perceived standard of learning. The measurement of all four stages of experiential learning was above 72 %. In summary, this study has demonstrated positive attainment of self-directed learning through experiential learning experiences.