In summer 2024, nine instructors at three colleges participated in a pre-pilot study to implement an early version of the model in their courses. The research team conducted interviews with faculty and students to gather insights into the instructional model’s usability and feasibility and to inform revisions of the model.
In spring 2025, 24 instructors at five institutions participated in a pilot study to test the revised model’s efficacy and gather additional insights on implementation. The research team conducted interviews and surveys and analyzed administrative data to explore the model’s usability and feasibility, the model’s promise for improving student outcomes, and the time and resources needed to implement the model. The team used these data to inform the development of supplement resources to guide implementation.
The Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Instructional Model offers college educators three evidence-based strategies to help college students manage their online learning better.
Description of strategies
- Self-directed learning videos: 10-minute videos with a corresponding set of reflection questions for students to answer. These videos, informed by real student experiences, focus on sense of belonging, growth mindset, and time management.
- Self-directed learning prompts: A series of prompts embedded throughout the course, including reflective prompts to encourage students to plan time for coursework, reflect on progress to develop confidence and self-efficacy, and seek help when needed. The first set of prompts consists of three questions that can be implemented at any point during the course in the form of a single assignment, survey, or discussion board post. The second set of prompts, called an assessment wrapper, consists of a two-part assignment that should be assigned a week before a major assessment (pre-assessment) and after students have received their grades (post-assessment). The final prompt is a message to a future student, which invites students to reflect on their course performance. This prompt can be assigned as a written reflection or a video recording.
- Student-peer interaction & networking (SPIN): Instructor-integrated activities for online students to support each other, including introductory questionnaires and group assignments or online work sessions.
Findings
This pilot study is generating evidence about the potential of SDL strategies to improve student learning behaviors and course outcomes. The study will shed light on how instructors and students perceive the strategies—whether they are usable, easy to implement, and valuable to learning. The research team is also documenting the time and resources needed for implementation, which will inform future scaling efforts. Finally, the team will examine patterns in how instructors adapt or maintain fidelity to the model, and how those choices relate to student outcomes across different contexts. Check back soon for findings!