Psychometric Validation of the Self-Directed Learning Scale for Online Learning

Recently, the effectiveness of online education to promote student learning has become an active area of research. To add to the literature, our study developed and validated a new instrument, the Self-Directed Learning Scale (SDLS), to examine students' perceptions of their ability to self-manage their own learning in an online environment. The psychometric properties of the SDLS were evaluated using the Rasch rating scale model. Results support the SDLS as a psychometrically sound instrument capable of producing valid and reproducible measures and also identified three problematic items requiring revision. Our study concludes with possible extensions of the SDLS to different race/ethnicity groups.

Outcomes: Validate the SDLS and understand its item hierarchy representing factors contributing to students' ability to self-manage their online learning * Investigate students' perceptions of characteristics and effectiveness of online learning environments * Identify grounds for improvement for the SDLS and its extensions to various race/ethnicity groups