Self-Directed Learning: Toward a Comprehensive Model

Garrison, D. R.

doi:10.1177/074171369704800103

Cited by 1,578Adult and Continuing Education TopicsEducational Leadership and InnovationInnovative Teaching and Learning Methods

Self-Directed Learning: Toward a Comprehensive Model

Garrison, D. R.·1997·Adult Education Quarterly

DOI 10.1177/074171369704800103

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Abstract

Self-directed learning is a core theoretical construct distinguishing adult education as a field of study. Most of the concept's emphasis has been on the external control and management of learning tasks. In an attempt to expand the scope of self-directed learning, this paper presents a comprehensive theoretical model. The proposed model integrates self-management (contextual control), self-monitoring (cognitive responsibility), and motivational (entering and task) dimensions to reflect a meaningful and worthwhile approach to self-directed learning. Explicating the cognitive and motivational dimensions of self-directed learning is identified as an area requiring further research.

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Self-directed learning includes motivation and self-regulation.
“There is more to consider here, particularly the dimensions of self-directed learning (Garrison 1997), which include motivation and self-regulation (Zimmerman 2002).”
From Adult learning theories: Implications for learning and teaching in medical education: AMEE Guide No. 83 (2013) · cites this paper as Garrison 1997

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Authors: Garrison, D. R.
Affiliations: University of Alberta (CA)
Corresponding author: Garrison, D. R.
ORCID: Garrison, D. R.
Venue: Adult Education Quarterly
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 1997-11
Volume: 48
Issue: 1
Pages: 18-33
ISSN: 0741-7136 (ISSN-L)
1552-3047
DOI: 10.1177/074171369704800103
OpenAlex: W1970131054
Cited by: 1,578
References: 50
Citations by year: 2026: 125 · 2025: 133 · 2024: 111 · 2023: 130 · 2022: 130 · 2021: 128 · 2020: 80 · 2019: 84 · 2018: 53 · 2017: 42 · 2016: 76 · 2015: 60 · 2014: 71 · 2013: 50 · 2012: 60
FWCI: 25.01
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Adult Education Quarterly (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Education › Adult and Continuing Education Topics
Social Sciences › Education › Educational Leadership and Innovation
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
Keywords: self-directed learning, self-management, self-monitoring, motivation, adult education, theoretical model, contextual control

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