The Development and Validation of a Self-Directed Learning Inventory for Middle and High School Students

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the validity of the Self-Directed Learning Inventory (SDLI) for Korean middle and high school students. The preliminary Self-Directed Learning Inventory items were developed through a literature review and in-depth interviews. The subjects comprised 3,719 middle and high school students in Seoul and Kyunggi-do. Data were analyzed by means of exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, Pearson's correlations and Cronbach's alphas. The results were as follows: 1) The content validity of the inventory was confirmed by experts. 2) The construct validity of the Self-Directed Learning Inventory was supported by exploratory factor analyses and confirmatory factor analyses. There were 3 sub-factors of 78 items in the Self-Directed Learning Inventory: learning motivation, learning ability, and learning strategies & skills. 3) The reliability of the Self-Directed Learning Inventory indicated adequate internal consistency. These results support both the reliability and validity of the Self-Directed Learning Inventory.