This paper builds on work undertaken over a number of years by a group of international researchers with an interest in the potential of connecting academic and everyday practices and knowledge. Drawing extensively on literature and our own work, we first discuss the challenges around defining informal learning, concluding that learning is…

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact mindfulness practices would have on the independent learning processes of third-grade students in a Montessori setting. For the purpose of the study, independent learning processes were measured using three parameters: (a) self-reports of perceived learning on-task and off-task behaviors, (b)…

High self-efficacy beliefs and effective self-regulatory strategies are increasingly important in academic settings, and especially in developing academic writing skills. This article deals with how students develop academic writing skills in two different pedagogical settings (as autonomous learners and in a traditional learning environment), and…

In the 21st century, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become common in all aspects of human life. Processing and enhancing the knowledge of ICT is the need of the present time. ICT is the fusion of computers and telecommunications. Nowadays, ICT is the backbone of Indian education system. ICT is accepted as an essential tool for…

A major goal of higher education is to create an environment conducive to quality student learning. Medical practitioners should possess a sound knowledge of anatomy to enable them to diagnose patients accurately and treat them successfully. Studies have reported a decline in the knowledge of anatomy acquired by students, recent medical graduates…

Vocabulary mastery is critical to English as Foreign Language students. Mobile technologies enable students to learn vocabulary without space and time limitations. However, existing mobile-assisted vocabulary learning research often employed teacher-directed activities that increased instructors' workload, undermined student motivation or targeted…

As healthcare delivery, education, and technology dramatically evolve, middle managers serve a vital role in communication. Studies provide convincing evidence that resilience and self-directed learning can each be acquired and improved. This study investigated the relationship of resilience and self-directed learning readiness in healthcare…

The research investigates undergraduates' English abilities of autonomous learning in the environment of ecological affordance. It proves that their abilities are significantly different before and after independent learning in one semester, and they can actively try their own learning strategies and achieve good results in English learning, which…

The purpose for this self-study was to explore the theoretical and practical understandings of scientific inquiry inherent in our elementary teacher preparation program, specifically those of new instructors. Although scientific inquiry and inquiry-based learning are emphasized in our program, several new instructors, doctoral students hired to…

This study examines university students' multitasking with computers and mobile phones in an authentic self-study context, with the primary focus being on off-task multitasking and interruption as precursor to multitasking. The study drew on interviews, observation, and video-stimulated recall to reveal the triggers for and processes of…

With the increase of mobilized and relatively inexpensive technologies, educators are challenged to consider new innovations for learning situations. This case study evaluates the use of mobile learning in a college course for instructional purposes. The study describes the specific manner in which mobile technology was utilized and then details…

This paper studies students engagement in e-learning environments in which students work independently and solve problems without external supervision. We propose a new method to infer engagement patterns of users in such self-directed environments. We view engagement as a continuous process in time, measured along chosen axes that are derived…

There is a growing interest in conceptualizing, defining, and assessing what are often called 21st century skills or deeper learning competencies. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the conceptualizations, definitions, and understandings in the research literature related to self-directed learning. Key initial questions include:…

This research, conducted in 2017, examines the amount of time students spend on building their skills and employability in pre-16 and post-16 education. It covers: (1) qualification hours; (2) non qualification hours; (3) homework and self-study; (4) activities outside of education; and (5) a typical week. Qualification hours are defined as the…

Access to literacy is critical to children's futures, but formal education may be insufficient for fostering early literacy, especially in low-resource contexts. Educational technologies used at home may be able to help, but it is unclear whether or how children (and families) will use such technologies at home in rural communities, particularly…