The Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Instructional Model offers college educators evidence-based strategies to help college students manage their online learning better. These strategies tackle key challenges of online learning by helping students cultivate habits that are strongly related to student success, including developing a sense of belonging that builds social connections, planning time for coursework, reflecting on progress to develop confidence and self-efficacy, and learning how to seek help when needed.
The model’s three core strategies, intended to be implemented at key moments in the course, are:
SDL videos: Short videos with reflection activities to build motivation and key mindsets
SDL prompts: Structured reflection questions to support planning and self-monitoring
SPIN activities: Opportunities for peer interaction and collaborative learning
Explore each of the strategies in the SDL Instructional Model Course Implementation Guide.
What You Can Do With the Model
By integrating the SDL strategies into your course, you can help students:
- Develop a stronger sense of belonging and connection
- Build confidence and self-efficacy
- Plan and manage their time effectively
- Reflect on their learning and adapt strategies
- Seek help and use available resources
How to Implement the Model
The SDL Instructional Model’s Course Implementation Guide provides detailed instructions to integrate the strategies into online courses. The guide provides step-by-step implementation guidance, including:
- A pacing guide for when to use each strategy
- Ready-to-use text and assignments
- Examples and adaptations for different course contexts
- Dos and don’ts for implementing the SDL strategies
Download the Course Implementation Guide (PDF)