A real change is needed in the mentality which claims that human brain is just a storage and individuals learn by piling up knowledge in various ways in this storage. Instead of mere knowledge transfer, a different perspective and diverse practices are needed for learners to sustain the learning by interacting with knowledge and forming it. The implementation of this new system as an alternative to currently available systems requires that individuals should have Self-Directed Learning Skills-SDLS.

An individual may benefit from other individuals and systems or his own experiences and observations in order to continue the learning. The only requirement to achieve it is Self Directed Learning Skills. These skills are briefly explained in our book named “Self-Directed Learning”. Click to access the book. Individuals can sustain their self-directed learning processes according to their own learning styles, learning needs and goals. 

The activities aiming to develop Self-Directed Learning Skills are carried out within the scope of two different projects.

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1. Self-Directed Learning Project for Individuals

The aim of this project is to help individuals gain Self-Directed Learning Skills (SDLS) by working with them individually (one-to-one) or in small groups. Those equipped with SDLS will continue the learning process as Self-Directed Learners. The target groups of this project are:

• Students
• Teachers
• Adult Learners

2. Self-Directed Learning Project for Institutions

n this project, everybody in the institution is equipped with self-directed learning skills so that it can become a self-directed learning institution. This project is more extensive than Self-Directed Learning Project for Individuals. For instance, when a school wishes to be a Self-Directed Learning School, the following target groups are provided with certain related trainings. The target of the project is as follows:

• Students
• Teachers
• School Administration
• School Staff
• Parents

Self-Directed Learning Skills are categorized in two different groups as shown in Figure 1 below:

Classified into two groups, Self-Directed Learning Skills consist of different subskills as displayed in Figure 2

Within the scope of our Self-Directed Learning Program, individuals’ existing self-directed learning skills are determined and they are provided assistance and consultancy services to equip them with necessary SDLSs accordingly. Individuals’ existing self-directed learning skills are determined by using two scales developed to measure two groups of skills mentioned above