Exploring teachers’ self-directed learning: frequency, application, and professional experience differences

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Dátum

2026

Názov časopisu

ISSN časopisu

Názov zväzku

Vydavateľ

Bazilej : Gate Association for Teaching and Education

ISBN

ISSN

1694-609X
1308-1470

Abstrakt

Self-directed learning (SDL) has become an increasingly important component of teacher professional development, yet little is known about its patterns and challenges in the Slovak context. This study analysed SDL among 1,057 primary school teachers recruited through convenience sampling across Slovakia. Data were collected using a custom-designed 17-item questionnaire assessing frequency and sources of SDL, its application in practice, and perceived personal and motivational barriers. Reliability of the two multi-item scales was satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = .76–.79; McDonald’s ω = .75–.77). Descriptive statistics showed that 51.4% of respondents engaged in SDL frequently. The most valued sources were professional peer discussions and print/digital resources, while universities were rated the least relevant. Time emerged as the most demanding aspect of SDL. ANOVA showed no statistically significant overall differences in the frequency of self-directed learning across career stages. However, significant effects were found for the perceived usefulness of private providers and higher education institutions, as well as for barriers related to family time, financial burden, time management, and application of acquired knowledge. The findings demonstrate that SDL is a widespread practice among Slovak teachers, but its forms, perceived value, and barriers vary significantly with professional experience. These results highlight the need for differentiated support measures tailored to the career stage of educators.

Popis

In: International journal of instruction. Bazilej : Gate Association for Teaching and Education, 2026. ISSN 1694-609X. Vol. 19, no 1 (2026), pp. 671-686.

Kľúčové slová

samovzdelávanie, self-directed learning, učitelia, teachers, profesijný rozvoj, professional development, profesijný rozvoj učiteľov, professional development of teachers

Výstup z projektu

KEGA 006UMB-4/2023 Rozvoj kompetencií pre učenie sa dospelých modernými elektronickými učebnými prostriedkami

Citácia

Práva a licenčné podmienky

CC BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0. International
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess