Self-directed Learning Readiness in Accelerated, Blended Programs Nicole A. Gulley GFM Spring 2017

The SDLR Model Self-management Self-monitoring Motivation The ability to control the necessary external tasks to manage the learning process; choosing what to do and how to do it. Self-management Self-monitoring Motivation The topic of my dissertation is self-directed learning readiness of graduates from a blended program accelerated with technology and the relationship between short-term and long-term persistence in training-related employment. As a school that is attractive to nontraditional students, the selected career college is accountable for helping students achieve gainful employment after graduation or they may risk losing access to federal financial aid. School leaders must not leave this outcome to chance and must determine the self-directed learning readiness of its graduates. An understanding of self-directed learning readiness and its relationship to short-term and long-term persistence in training-related employment is necessary to determine if improvements are needed in existing teaching and learning methods. The general problem driving the research is graduates who are not prepared to be self-directed in their learning after graduation may compromise a school’s ability to attract, retain, and graduate learners who are ready to enter the workforce. The particular problem is a gap in the research regarding the relationship of self-directed learning readiness and the short-term and long-term persistence in the training-related employment of its graduates. Since many states look to universities and colleges to help drive economic growth by promoting innovation and graduating skilled employees, educational institutions that can graduate learners who are prepared to work in a knowledge-based economy will meet the expected challenges. Better qualified workers will help global competitiveness by creating a workforce prepared to meet future labor demands. Employers would have access to more potential employees ready to provide the levels of innovation necessary for them to survive in the global economy. When employment rates are higher, crime is lower and spending also increases, benefiting the economy and improving the nation's competitiveness. The decision to begin a learning task and the effort to continue or persist with a learning task. Thinking about one’s thinking & taking responsibility to make meaning out of the learning; utilizing appropriate learning strategies and resources.

Background Global competition Diverse population Technology advancement

Implications Future labor demands Transition to practice Lifelong learning