Self-directed learning readiness among web-based learners

The purpose ofthis research is to explore the practice ofself-directed learning in web-based learning environments. The main objectives ofresearch are: (I) to determine whether students following UNITAR and UiTM web-based learning models are ready as self-directed learners, (2) to establish the relationship between level ofreadiness to students\u27 academic achievement. The research employed the quantitative methodology. Data were collected using the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). SDLRS is developed and designed to measure the level of readiness for self-directed learning among adult learners. The data set comprised of 109 students responding to the SDLRS instrument. From the 109 students, 53 students are from UNITAR and 56 students arefrom UiTM The research revealed that Malaysian web-based learners are below average in their level ofreadiness for self-directedlearning. Both groups from UiTM and UN/TAR have a mean score of203 and 189 respectively. However, UiTMsweb-based distance learners have a higher SDLRS score than UNITARs web-based distance learners. Test of significance shows that there is a significant different between the means ofthe two groups. The research also revealed that there is a strong and positive relationship between level of readiness and academic achievement. The test ofsignificance shows that the relationship is significant. The research concluded that there is a need to provide students\u27 with knowledge and skills to be more ready for self-directed learning. Further research should explore these areas within different webbased distance learning models