Characteristics Of A Self-Directed Learner

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Essential aspects of a self-directed, intrinsically motivated, active learner.
A self-directed learner, is not one who is learning because he is told to do so, is not one who is learning because he has an exam to write and pass. A self-directed learner is therefore one who is self-motivated, who engages actively in the learning process, one who knows how to set and achieve educational goals. A successful self-directed learner, must be determined as learning takes time and involves repetition and continuous practice. Beyond determination, a successful self-directed learner must be one who is proactive. He develops a plan on how to achieve his/her academic goals and is a good time manager. Outstanding among these qualities is the fact that a self-directed learner is one who enjoys learning and is highly disciplined. Two areas of personal strength and two areas of personal weakness in being a self-motivated and engaged student.
Two areas of personal strength I would like to talk about are curiosity and self-confidence which I believe are key elements of self-motivation. Curiosity is an inquisitive thinking that involves exploration, investigation, and learning. Successful self-directed learners must possess a high degree of curiosity for learning.
One of the most cited sources about self-confidence refers to it as simply believing in oneself (Bénabou & Tirole, 2002). Another popular article defines self-confidence as an individual’s expectations of performance and

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