Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional study
Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the self-directed learning ability (SDLA) of undergraduate Allied Health Sciences (AHS) students in Chennai, India, and investigate the factors influencing self-directed learning (SDL). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 282 undergraduat...
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07458-3 |
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| author | Pitchaimani Govindharaj Narasimman Swaminathan |
| author_facet | Pitchaimani Govindharaj Narasimman Swaminathan |
| author_sort | Pitchaimani Govindharaj |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the self-directed learning ability (SDLA) of undergraduate Allied Health Sciences (AHS) students in Chennai, India, and investigate the factors influencing self-directed learning (SDL). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 282 undergraduate AHS students at a medical college and hospital in Chennai, India. The Self-Directed Learning Instrument (SDLI), was administered using Google Forms. Results The average SDLI score was 80.93 ± 8.70, ranging from 58 to 100 (95% CI 79.91–81.94). In the SDLI domains, students showed strong learning motivation (24.76 ± 3.06), self-monitoring skills (16.29 ± 2.10), and interpersonal communication abilities (16.34 ± 2.03). However, students scored lower in planning and implementation (23.53 ± 3.44) compared to other domains. A moderate positive correlation was found between all four domains. The only significant difference observed was in students’ grade point average (GPA); students with higher SDLI scores performed significantly better on the examination. Conclusions The study revealed that undergraduate AHS students possess self-directed learning abilities. Academic performance is significantly influenced by a positive attitude towards self-directed learning, with students who exhibit higher levels of this ability performing better in examinations. Integrating self-directed learning into the teaching–learning process is essential for promoting independent learning. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-104f869ffcbc40e68f58cca202f27f80 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-104f869ffcbc40e68f58cca202f27f802025-08-20T03:45:35ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-07-012511810.1186/s12909-025-07458-3Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional studyPitchaimani Govindharaj0Narasimman Swaminathan1Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU)School of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, University of NizwaAbstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the self-directed learning ability (SDLA) of undergraduate Allied Health Sciences (AHS) students in Chennai, India, and investigate the factors influencing self-directed learning (SDL). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 282 undergraduate AHS students at a medical college and hospital in Chennai, India. The Self-Directed Learning Instrument (SDLI), was administered using Google Forms. Results The average SDLI score was 80.93 ± 8.70, ranging from 58 to 100 (95% CI 79.91–81.94). In the SDLI domains, students showed strong learning motivation (24.76 ± 3.06), self-monitoring skills (16.29 ± 2.10), and interpersonal communication abilities (16.34 ± 2.03). However, students scored lower in planning and implementation (23.53 ± 3.44) compared to other domains. A moderate positive correlation was found between all four domains. The only significant difference observed was in students’ grade point average (GPA); students with higher SDLI scores performed significantly better on the examination. Conclusions The study revealed that undergraduate AHS students possess self-directed learning abilities. Academic performance is significantly influenced by a positive attitude towards self-directed learning, with students who exhibit higher levels of this ability performing better in examinations. Integrating self-directed learning into the teaching–learning process is essential for promoting independent learning.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07458-3Self-directed learningSDLI scoreAllied health sciencesAllied health science studentsSelf-learning abilitySelf-management |
| spellingShingle | Pitchaimani Govindharaj Narasimman Swaminathan Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional study BMC Medical Education Self-directed learning SDLI score Allied health sciences Allied health science students Self-learning ability Self-management |
| title | Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional study |
| title_full | Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional study |
| title_fullStr | Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional study |
| title_short | Self-directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in Chennai, India: a cross-sectional study |
| title_sort | self directed learning ability among undergraduate allied health sciences students in chennai india a cross sectional study |
| topic | Self-directed learning SDLI score Allied health sciences Allied health science students Self-learning ability Self-management |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07458-3 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT pitchaimanigovindharaj selfdirectedlearningabilityamongundergraduatealliedhealthsciencesstudentsinchennaiindiaacrosssectionalstudy AT narasimmanswaminathan selfdirectedlearningabilityamongundergraduatealliedhealthsciencesstudentsinchennaiindiaacrosssectionalstudy |