Examination of self-directed learning readiness of paramedic undergraduates: A multi-institutional study

dc.creator	Brett Williams
dc.creator	Malcolm Boyle
dc.creator	Christian Winship
dc.creator	Richard Brightwell
dc.creator	Scott Devenish
dc.creator	Graham Munro
dc.date	2012-10-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-07-20T22:15:08Z
dc.date.available	2015-07-20T22:15:08Z
dc.identifier	10.5430/jnep.v3n2p102
dc.identifier	1925-4040
dc.identifier	1925-4059
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/cd39dcde0d104fd2b19c879410d1869a
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/17403
dc.description	<p class="a"><strong>Background:</strong> The ability to engage in self-directed learning (SDL) is considered to be essential for professional practice in out-of-hospital settings since paramedics are expected to continue and update their knowledge and understanding throughout their professional career.</p> <p class="a"><strong>Objectives:</strong> The objective of this study was to determine undergraduate paramedic students’ attitudes and readiness towards self-directed learning at four Australian universities.</p> <p class="a"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study involving a paper-based questionnaire was undertaken employing a convenience sample of undergraduate paramedic students in semester 1, 2010. Attitudes and readiness for self-directed learning were elicited by the Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) consisting of a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree and 5=Strongly Agree).</p> <p class="a"><strong>Findings:</strong> There were 259 students who participated. Most students were from Monash University (n=113) and Charles Sturt University (n=77). Two-thirds (n=169) of students were < 25 years of age with 54% female. Students from Queensland University of Technology produced the highest SDL score 160.38 (SD=13.56) while participants from Charles Sturt University produced the lowest mean score 154.60 (SD=14.51). Second year students produced the highest total mean score 157.52 (SD=15.19). Statistical significance was identified between the Self-Control Subscale <em>F=</em>3.10, <em>p=</em>0.010 and Self-Management Subscale <em>F=</em>2.83, <em>p=</em>0.017.</p> <strong>Conclusions:</strong> This is the first study of its kind involving paramedic undergraduate students in Australia. The results from this study suggest undergraduate paramedic students from four different Australian universities possess an adequate level of self-directed learning readiness. As paramedic-orientated degree programs continue to emerge and develop, establishing SDL needs will assist paramedic educators in diagnosing student learning needs, and assist in shaping contemporary and student-centred curriculum.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	Sciedu Press
dc.relation	http://www.sciedu.ca/journal/index.php/jnep/article/view/1137
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/1925-4040
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/1925-4059
dc.source	Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, Vol 3, Iss 2 (2012)
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.title	Examination of self-directed learning readiness of paramedic undergraduates: A multi-institutional study
dc.type	article