The Term "Self-Directed Learning"-Back to Knowles, or Another Way to Forge Ahead?

• Published in: Journal of research on christian education Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 1 - 20
• Main Author: van der Walt, Johannes L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Routledge 02-01-2019; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Biblical Literature; Christianity; Cognitive style; Definitions; Educational foundations; Educational philosophy; Educational theory; Independent Study; Learning Theories; Learning theories; Teaching approaches; Self-directed learning; Effective instruction; Ontology; Pedagogy; Personal Autonomy; Religious Education; Teacher Role; Teaching Methods
• ISSN: 1065-6219; 1934-4945
• DOI: 10.1080/10656219.2019.1593265

The term self-directed learning has since its seminal definition in 1975 by Malcolm S. Knowles acquired a range of meanings, which has led to communication difficulties about this subject. Examination of self-directed learning from a biblical ontological-anthropological perspective reveals that, although the notion of self-directed learning as a mechanistic or deterministic process should be questioned, Knowles and colleagues were correct in ameliorating the "process part" of the definition of self-directed learning by emphasizing the freedom and agency of the learner as steward of creation. Researchers wishing to deviate from the approach by Knowles and colleagues are compelled to explain what the term designates in their particular project.