DEVELOPMENT OF AN INSTRUMENT TO MEASURE SELF-DIRECTED CONTINUING LEARNING.

Abstract

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239 p.

This study sought to describe theoretical formulations for the construct of self-directed continuing learning, develop an instrument to measure the construct, and conduct empirical investigations to validate the instrument. It was expected that the instrument would have the potential to identify adults who are self-directed continuing learners, thus providing an indicator of potential for continuing professional learning.Three overlapping dimensions (Proactive Drive vs. Reactive Drive, Commitment to Learning vs. Defensiveness) for the construct were developed from a review of the literature. These dimensions guided the development of an item pool. Content validation of the items was provided by panels of experts and graduate students. Prepilot and a pilot study results provided the basis for refining the items into a 24-item instrument, the Oddi Continuing Learning Inventory (OCLI), for use in a validation effort.The validation sample consisted of 271 graduate students in adult education, law, and nursing. The OCLI demonstrated a coefficient alpha of .87 and a test-retest correlation of .89.Factor analysis indicated that most OCLI items loaded on a general factor containing elements of self-confidence, ability to work independently, and learning through involvement with others. Two subsidiary factors, Reading Avidity and Ability to be Self-Regulating, also emerged. These factors represented two of the original dimensions of the construct, but no factor related to Cognitive Openness was obtained.Construct validity for the OCLI was suggested by its positive correlation with a measure of educational participation and with measures of self-confidence, endurance, and affiliation. Discriminant validity was provided when the OCLI scores failed to correlate with a measure of adult intelligence.Results suggest that the OCLI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring the construct of self-directed continuing learning. At this point in its development, only the total score on the OCLI can be used to provide a reliable and valid measure of self-directed continuing learning. Further efforts at refinement and validation of the OCLI should be undertaken.