Describe the principle of Self-Directed Learning as described by Knowles and share a
personal learning experience that you have had as it relates to this principle.
According to Knowles no principle of andragogy has received as much attention as self-directed
learning. It has now been proven by many research studies that adults can and do engage in self-
directed learning (SDL). Knowles (2020) stated that there are two conceptions of self-directed
learning that a relevant in literature.
The first, “SDL is seen as self-teaching, whereby learners are capable of taking control of the
mechanics and techniques of teaching themselves in a particular subject.” (Knowles, 2020, pg.
169). It is also mentioned that self-teaching during independent study can be an example of this.
I did my entire bachelor’s degree in an online program and many of my classes felt a lot like
independent study. The course material was posted with no lectures or explanation and we as
students were expected to complete our course work with the materials given, hence teaching
ourselves the content. The second conception is autonomy which Knowles (2020) explained,
“Autonomy means taking control of the goals and purposes of learning and assuming ownership
of learning.” (pg. 169). These two conceptions are not always present, and an adult learner could
choose to participate in a highly teacher-directed course but still have a high degree of autonomy.
One of my favorite quotes from this chapter was “For example, a learner who is experienced
with the subject matter and has strong learning skills will likely be frustrated in highly controlled
learning situations. Conversely, a learner who is inexperienced with the subject and has poorly
developed SDL skills will likely be intimidated, at least initially, in highly SDL situations.”
(Knowles, 2020, pg. 70). Going back to my experience in online learning during my bachelor’s
degree, had it been a subject that I was not familiar with I probably would have had a much
harder time succeeding in the course. However, I was very familiar with the content I was
learning and so I was not bothered by having to teach myself the things that were new to me.
Knowles, M. S., III, E.F. H., Swanson, R. A., SWANSON, R., & Robinson, P. A. (2020). The
Adult Learner (9th ed.). Taylor & Francis.
https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781000072914
