Clinical Practicum Improves Self-Directed Learning Readiness of Physical Therapy Students: A Longitudinal Study

Cultivating the ability to learn independently is essential in pre-graduate physical therapy education. This study focused on the clinical practicum, an important learning opportunity, to determine how it affects self-directed learn¬ing readiness (SDLR). The SDLR scale (SDLRS) was administered before and after the 16-week clinical practicum to examine changes in total scores and subcategories. We also examined the relationship between the subjective achievement of clinical practicum goals and SDLRS scores. The results showed that the SDLRS total score and the subcategory "inquiring mind" increased significantly after the clinical practicum. Furthermore, the higher the pre-practicum SDLR, the higher the subjective attainment of the practicum, and the higher the attainment, the higher the post-practicum SDLRS. By setting clear goals and providing appropriate learning resources, physical therapy clinical practicums improved students' SDLR.