self-directed
self-dy-REK-tid
/ˌself.daɪˈrek.tɪd/
Guided and managed by oneself rather than by a teacher or supervisor.
Refers specifically to action and execution of tasks, where the learner initiates and sustains the work.
The story behind the word. Formed by combining 'self' with the past participle of 'direct', which comes from Latin 'dirigere' meaning to set straight or guide in a line. A self-directed person sets their own straight path.
Word relationships
- self-guided: Self-guided often implies following pre-made instructions by oneself, whereas self-directed includes setting the goals too.
- teacher-led: Teacher-led processes rely strictly on external instruction.
Commonly confused with
- self-centered: Self-centered means selfish, whereas self-directed means self-managed.
Word family
- self-direction (noun): The ability to guide oneself without external orders.
Collocations
- self-directed learning
- self-directed project
- self-directed learner
Idioms & expressions
- steer one's own ship
Example sentences
- "Self-directed learning enables teenagers to explore complex subjects at their own natural speed." Homeschooling Context
Memory hook
You hold the compass and DIRECT the map for YOURSELF. Directing your own life drama.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'selfish' or 'isolated'; it describes learning control, not isolation.
Fun facts
- Malcolm Knowles popularized self-directed learning in adult education theory during the 1970s.
Related words
Explore more words
self-reliant, autonomy, self-governing, self-sufficient, autonomous, independent
Also appears in
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