Validation of a Self- directed Learning Readiness Scale for Medical and Dentistry Students

Introduction: Faculty members, being in charge of cultivating students’ life-long learning capabilities, need a valid and reliable tool to assess self-directed learning readiness among them.The aim of this study was to examine assess reliability and construct validity of the Self Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS).for pre-internship medical and dentistry students. Methods: In a cross-sectional psychometric study, 335 pre-internship medical and dentistry students, studying in Islamic Azad University- Khurasgan and Najaf Abad branches, took the survey in 2008. The subjects completed Fisher’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale(SDLRS). The scale has 40 items in 3 subscales. Data were analyzed through using Spearman Brown correlation coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis by LISREL sofware. Results: The resulting SDLRS consisted of 40 items across the following three domains: Self-management, desire to learning, and self-control. The final model in confirmatory factor analysis revealed that 39 items indicated a good fit of model. The value of Cronbach’s Alpha showed that all of 3 factors have high internal consistency coefficients. Conclution: This scale is a valid and reliable instrument in assessing students’ readiness for self directed learning.