Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: In medical profession, the ability to set individual learning experiences is very important to become a successful life-long self-directed learner. Also these skills will help students acquire knowledge, and kills and unique attitudes in their personal and professional growth. Therefore to empower the students to achieve Self-directed learning skills must be one of the ultimate goals of any educational curriculum. The present study was conducted aiming at investigating self directed learning skills of medical students (Basic sciences, Pre clinical period, Clerkship) in Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: This descriptive – cross sectional study was undertaken on 182 medical students (basic sciences, pre-clinical, and clerkship levels) at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The instrument used was Fischer’s Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) Data were analyzed using SPSS19 software and Descriptive statistics, independent T-test, One Way ANOVA and cohen’s statistics.

Results: The highest mean among the skills was associated with self-control (60.6±6.45) and the lowest was related to the self-management (45.2 6.40)..

Conclusions: Although self-control skills than other skills, it seems that the learning skills and management should be included in the curriculum and extracurricular activities, as an effective step for students to become Self-Directed Lifelong learners.