Self-directed learning behaviors of students, faculty of home economics technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon

Abstract

The survey research aimed to: 1) study the behaviors of self-directed learning; 2) compare levels of self-directed learning behaviors which is classified by personal status; and 3) study guidelines for self-directed learning. The subject obtained through stratified random sampling consisted of 319 first-fourth year undergraduates of the Faculty of Home Economics Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon. The research tool was a questionnaire. The frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA were used for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The results were as follows: 1. The overall level of students’ behaviors for self-directed learning was high (X = 3.74; S.D.= 0.74) that were self-evaluation competency (X = 3.89; S.D.= 0.74), self-management competency (X = 3.75; S.D.=0.76), self-learning competency (X = 3.74; S.D.=0.70), self-searching competency (X = 3.72; S.D.=0.72) and characteristics of self-directed learners (X = 3.59; S.D.=0.77), respectively. 2. There was no difference of self-directed learning behaviors when genders and educational levels were considered. In contrast, there were statistically significant difference at 0.05 when academic performance was considered. 3. The overall level of students’ opinions on guidelines for self-directed learning was high (X = 3.51;S.D.= 0.85), self-directed was academic matter (X = 3.74; S.D.=0.76), physical matter (X = 3.41 ; S.D.=0.93) management (X = 3.40; S.D.=0.87), respectively.