Self-directed Learning Systems (SDLS) is an acclaimed teaching methodology particularly for disciplines which develop skills of entrepreneurship and leadership along with original, creative thinking in students. Students are given a set of parameters and criteria to use to frame their learning. They are encouraged to select and investigate topics as per their interests, along with methods, information sources and tools which are all selected by them. By making decisions regarding what they learn and methods they use during their learning experience, learning becomes an active process; which ultimately leads to growth in areas of goal setting, engaging, and self-evaluating in students.

The intention behind this learning approach is to create an environment where students are highly engaged and motivated and can focus subjects which are of their liking.

The role of the educator also differs from the traditional teacher’s role in SDLS. As students are bound to select a wide variety of different topics and methods, the tutor is no longer an expert delivering information to students but instead plays the role of a facilitator who oversees the activities and discoveries students undergo as part of learning. This requires high levels of trust from the educator in the abilities of their students as well as their levels of motivation and focus on learning.

Due to the unique nature of this learning methodology the following four aspects are important for students and teachers:

1)Assess readiness to learn

Students need different skills and attitudes towards learning to succeed in independent study. For this they conduct a self-evaluation of their current situation, study habits, and support network at school and at home.

Some strong signs of readiness include being organised, self-disciplined, able to communicate clearly, to accept constructive feedback and to self-reflect.

2)Set learning goals

It is important that learning goals are clearly communicated between a student and educator. The goal of a particular unit of study, structure and sequence of activities, timelines, materials required, and feedback mechanisms are some vital aspects that are determined during setting learning goals.

3) Engage in the learning process

This step is crucial for students to understand themselves as learners and recognize their needs as self-learners. They also need to understand the differences between a deep, surface, and strategic approach to learning and when to adapt each approach. As this is an active process of learning, students must be able to generate their own connections in their work and motivate themselves.

4) Evaluate learning

Self-reflection and self-evaluation of study units are essential for success in self-directed learning. They can consult an educator, seek feedback, and discuss future strategies with them to support self-evaluation.

While this approach to teaching and learning works well for most disciplines, it is best suited for areas of study that involve individual and unique thinking, problem solving, and creative abilities. Due to the significant benefits it bestows to students, Avantika University which is among the most reputed for design studies practices this SDLS in their bachelor of design course in India. They aim to empower students through this methodology to become better designers with strong leadership and entrepreneurship qualities.