Self-Directed Learning
July 1, 2014

The objective of the “Self-Directed Learning” DSLP is to foster Drexel students’ ability to “establish goals and monitor progress toward them by developing an awareness of the personal, environmental and task-specific factors that affect attainment of the goals.” In other words, self-directed learning encourages students to think critically and act intentionally about their education. This is done through self-reflection about one’s educational and professional goals, as well as learning styles, and the development of strategies to successfully achieve those goals. In this way, students actively construct meaning in their own education.

During this session, we will use group discussion and some design thinking strategies to explore the following:

• How to identify and make use of opportunities for self-directed learning across the University
• How to activate self-directed learning within and across disciplines
• How self-directed learning applies to co-curricular experiences (co-op, research opportunities, international opportunities, etc.)
• How self-directed learning can translate to professional objectives

The discussion portion of the session will allow students to examine some of the general ideas behind self-directed learning and how these might manifest on Drexel’s campus. The design thinking portion will allow students to use brainstorming and mind mapping activities to work together in thinking through how these ideas may apply specifically to their academic experience.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2014
• Time: 4–5 p.m.
• Location: MacAlister 2019, 3250-60 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA 19104
• Presenter: Kevin Egan, PhD, Director, Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry, Drexel University

Refreshments will be served. Promotional materials will be distributed to all students who attend the event.

Winning Question:

Discuss the opportunities and challenges of a self-directed learner. Please incorporate the definition of the Self-Directed Learning DSLP in your answer.

Please email your response to: dslp@drexel.edu. The winner will be announced at the end of the month.