Readiness for self-directed learning among First Year Saudi Medical students: A descriptive study

Objectives: The objectives of the present study was to explore the readiness for Self Directed Learning (SDL) among first year Saudi Medical students enrolled at King Saud University (KSU) and Princess NourahBintAbdulrahman University (PNU) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: First year medical students were invited to participate in a descriptive cross sectional study design. Data were collected using a Self Directed Learner Readiness Scale (SDLRS) which is a self-assessment tool aimed to assess three main components: self-management, desire for learning and self-control. The students responded to each item of the SDLRS on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS, mean, median and total scores were calculated and were compared among student's groups. Results: The mean score for the desire of learning was the highest (4.08 +/- 0.5) of all the three components of the SDLRS followed by self-control (3.9 +/- 0.9), while the least mean score was for self-management (3.7 +/- 0.5). Overall, differences between student's groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the overall SDL readiness of participants was good, students were highly motivated for self-learning and had the ability for self-control. However, they need assistance to improve their self-management skills.