Perceptions of Self-Directed Learning among Nursing Students at Private Nursing Institutes in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Nursing is a profession where theory and skills runs vice-versa but advancement and new technology increasing challenges for professionals, to update their-selves for which they required to use self-directed learning (SDL). The SDL has become a key concept in nursing education and is considered as an essential as learning of skill for nursing students and nurses to keep them motivated for lifelong learning,

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the readiness level of nursing students regarding self-directed learning (SDL) currently studying in the BSN program in private nursing institutes.

Study Design:

Method: This study used the descriptive cross-sectional study design.

Place and Duration of the Study: Study performed in three institutes of nursing, in Karachi, Pakistan, in duration between May to October 2019.

Methodology: 384 BS Nursing students of I- IV year were selected by stratified random sampling technique, 203 were females and 181 males participated. Mostly (200) aged between 26-30. The data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire focused on self-directed learning.

Result: Out of 384, 200 (52%) participants were between 26-30 years of age, 203 (52.8%) were females. The participants were belong from three different institutes and enrolled in BSN with the year I, II, III, IV. The 324 (84.3%) participants showed a high level of SDL, which indicates effective SDL abilities in students. All the sub-categories like awareness, evaluation, interpersonal skills, learning strategies, and learning activities were applied ANOVA; major difference observed in all sub-categories and participants’ age and total score with age group with P-value = .05.

Conclusion: There is no difference in male and female learning abilities. SDL may enhance confidence and empowerment among students. SDL can be equally beneficial in education and clinical area. To increase SDL, various considerations are required like teacher’s role, involvement in curriculum, and other professional or academic bodies that can bring learner-oriented positive teaching-learning environment; hence effective learning strategies can enhance the use of SDL.