Join us for the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) 2026 Transforming STEM Higher Education Conference, held virtually from March 18 to 20, 2026.
Beyond Engagement: Evidence-Based Strategies for Improving Self-Directed Learning in Online College STEM Courses
Friday, March 20, 4 to 5:15pm ET
Online courses often presume students possess skills to manage their own learning and mindsets with limited guidance. In this session, Collaborative researchers Hannah Cheever and Krystal Thomas will present an actionable self-directed learning (SDL) framework to bolster students’ mindsets to remain motivated and manage their learning in online courses. They will share a newSelf-Directed Learning Instructional Model, comprised of three integrated strategies co-developed and tested in STEM courses at broad-access institutions.
From this session, participants will:
- Deepen their understanding of how SDL addresses student and faculty challenges in online courses;
- Explore research findings on the impact and implementation of the SDL Instructional Model
- Learn from perspectives from instructors and students who have used the model
- Discuss ways to apply the Model in one’s own institutional and instructional settings
Through both small and whole group discussions, participants will collaborate and learn from one another. Participants will leave these discussions with specific steps for applying these strategies in their own settings.
Presenters
- Hannah Cheever, Senior Education Researcher, SRI
- Krystal Thomas, Senior Education Researcher, SRI
Materials
- Self-Directed Learning Instructional Model
- Self-Directed Learning Instructional Model: Course Implementation Guide
- Self-Directed Learning Instructional Model: Campus Resource Guide (DRAFT, Fall 2025)
- Self-Directed Learning Instructional Model
- Presentation Materials
- Infographic: What is the Self-Directed Learning Instructional Model?
Learn more on the Conference program website.
Categories: Past Event
Tags: Instructional Strategies Online Learning Postsecondary Learning