Gifted Primary Students ’ Knowledge of Self Directed Learning

Gifted students are often described in the literature as being self-regulated, self-directed learners. Ten gifted primary students were interviewed in order to clarify the concept of self-directed learning in students of primary age. The students provided information on their knowledge of self-directed learning, explanations of the self-directed learning process, self-directed learning at school and out-of-school, learning preferences, and their attitudes to self-directed learning. Gifted students ’ views were compared with those of ten randomly selected students and four students identified as having learning difficulties in classroom work. For gifted students, understandings of self-directed learning included internal influences such as initiative, effort, and persistence, and external influences included time management strategies, working with others, and using resources. The paper introduces a model of self-directed learning in primary students. The model includes motivation, learning strategies and the nature of the school context. Gifted primary students, self-directed learning, inquiry, self-regulated learning, motivation, learnin