The development and validation of the Self-directed Learning Scales (SLS)

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Self-directed learning (SDL) is crucial for lifelong learning and academic success.
• Developing reliable instruments to measure SDL in secondary students is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Self-directed Learning Scales (SLS).
• To provide a psychometrically sound measure of SDL for secondary students.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized data from 14,846 secondary students.
• Rasch analysis and factor analyses were employed for scale validation.
• The SLS includes subscales for goal setting, motivation, self-efficacy, and self-monitoring.

Main Results:

• The Self-directed Learning Scales (SLS) demonstrated strong psychometric properties.
• Factor analyses led to the merging of two subscales, resulting in 19 validated subscales.
• Rasch analysis confirmed the validity of the SLS for assessing SDL in secondary students.

Conclusions:

• The validated SLS is a reliable tool for measuring self-directed learning in secondary students.
• The findings support the use of SLS for evaluating and enhancing students' SDL competencies.