Relationship between Self-Directed Learning (SDL) and Academic Achievement of University Students: A Case of Online Distance Learning and Traditional Universities

Oct 15, 2026

The study examines how self-directed learning relates to academic achievement among university students and compares self-directed learning in online distance learning versus traditional university settings. Data are collected using a self-developed survey from students enrolled in the Faculty of Education at one online and one conventional degree-awarding university. Samples are drawn from 2019 Spring enrollments and analyzed with t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results show significant differences in SDL between groups and higher correlation between SDL and academic performance for online learners, supporting SDL as a teaching approach to strengthen learners’ self-regulation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Concept of self-directed learning (SDL)

Related skills and learning processes

Literature Review

SDL components and related constructs

SDL as an independent learning process

131 Bulletin of Education and Research August 2020, Vol. 42, No. 2 pp. 131-148 Relationship between Self-Directed Learning (SDL) and Academic Achievement of University Students: A Case of Online Distance Learning and Traditional Universities Mubashra Khalid *, Sadia Bashir ** and Hina Amin*** Abstract The study aimed to highlight the relationship between self-directed learning and academic achievement and the comparison of self-directed leaning via online and conventional university learning. A self-developed survey was used to collect data from online distance and conventional leaners. All the students of the Faculty of Education of one online and one conventional degree awarding universities were the population of this study. There were 1139 students enrolled in online and 1809 students enrolled in conventional degree awarding universities in the Faculty of Education for Spring 2019. Asample of 590 students (20% of population) out of total 2948 students were selected, using a simple random sampling technique. Data was analyzed by using ttest, Pearson r to find out relationship between variables. Findings indicate significant difference between SDL of online and conventional university students. Also, co-relation of SDL with academic performance is high in students learning via online contrary to that of conventional university students. The study suggests that using SDL as teaching approach to develop students’abilities to self-regulate their teaching-learning process. Keywords: Self-Directed Learning (SDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), Conventional University Learning, Academic Achievement *Assistant Professor, Institute of Education and Research, University of the Punjab [Email: mubushirakhalid@yahoo.com](Email: mubushirakhalid@yahoo.com) **Post Graduate Student (International Masters in Adult Education for Social Change (IMAESC), School of Education, University of Glasgow). Email: [Sadiabashir87@gmail.com](Sadiabashir87@gmail.com) *** Instructor Education, [Virtual University of Pakistan. Email: Hina.amin@vu.edu.pk](Virtual University of Pakistan. Email: Hina.amin@vu.edu.pk) Introduction Present era demands students to become lifelong learner throughout their career and in academic choices. Higher education also demands that students should aim at direct learning. It can be achieved collaboratively while learning and working (Cremersac, Wals, Wesselink, Nieveenb & Muldera, 2014) . Self-directed learning (SDL) always appears beneficial for the students as they can work and study simultaneously. Selfdirected learning is a method which can measure students ’ learning desires, safeguard their appropriate learning, lead them towards deliberate actions and measure their subsequent knowledge. Further, it is a method of teaching depending on learners ’ ability to learn (Khiat, 2015 & Timmins, 2008) . On the other hand, Brockett and Hiemstra (1991) coined that self-directed learning is a blend of process and personal traits where an individual takes the responsibility of his/her learning while Houle (1961) asserted that it is a learning where a group of learners becomes independent outside of traditional institute learning and setting. According to Jossberger, Gruwel, Boshuizen and Wiel (2008), self-directed students can regulate their learning while Doyle (2008) asserts to get mastery over selfdirected learning; students must be expert in some personal skills. The personal skills are finding out and analyzing the quality sources for knowledge, organizing significant information, shaping information logically, writing reports, management of time andrecalling what has been learned using problem-solving schemes and by monitoring one’s personal learning. Furthermore, Knowles (1975) says that SDL is the ability to help one's self independently. It also determines what an individual student needs for learning and how a student wants to accomplish learning clearly. It also highlights how a student implemen

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

To highlight the relationship between self-directed learning and academic achievement and to compare SDL in online distance learning versus traditional universities.

How were the study participants selected and how large was the sample?

Students from the Faculty of Education of one online and one conventional university were the population; from 2948 students, a sample of 590 students (20%) was selected using simple random sampling.

What statistical methods were used to analyze the data?

The study used t-test and Pearson correlation (Pearson r) to examine differences and relationships between variables.

What key finding does the study report about SDL and academic performance?

SDL differs significantly between online and conventional university students, and the correlation between SDL and academic performance is higher for students learning via online distance learning.

Oct 15, 2026

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