ERIC Number: EJ1180412
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Nov
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0119-5646
EISSN: N/A
Epistemological Beliefs and Self-Directedness in Learning of South Korean Middle School Students
Choi, Jungsoon; Park, Eun Ah
Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, v22 n4 p541-548 Nov 2013
This study is an investigation of the epistemological beliefs of South Korean middle school students and their relation to self-directedness in learning. A total of 700 students from seven middle schools participated in the survey. The result revealed the four dimensions of epistemological beliefs (i.e., Learning Effort/Process, Authority/Expert Knowledge, Innate/Fixed Ability, and Certainty of Knowledge). All of the epistemological dimensions are significantly related to self-directedness in learning. Korean middle school students in general tended to value "Learning Effort/Process" but did not rely on "Authority/Expert Knowledge." In contrast to the previous research results, self-directed learners were more likely to believe in certainty of knowledge. The results of this current study also included epistemological differences by grade, gender, and top and bottom SDL scores. Implications of this study for teaching practice to improve students' SDL are discussed.
Descriptors: Epistemology, Beliefs, Independent Study, Foreign Countries, Middle School Students, Student Surveys, Teaching Methods
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Korea
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A