title: Readiness for self-directed learning and academic performance in an abilities laboratory course.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the relationship between readiness for self-directed learning, academic performance on self-directed learning activities, and resources used to prepare for an abilities laboratory course.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) was administered to first-year (P1) doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) candidates at the University of Maryland. Additional data collected included final course grades, quiz scores, resources used to prepare for laboratory activities, and demographics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean SDLRS score was 148.6 ± 13.8. Sixty-eight students (44%) scored > 150, indicating a high readiness for self-directed learning. These students were more likely to complete assignments before the laboratory, meet in study groups, and report postgraduation plans to enter noncommunity pharmacy. No significant association was found between academic performance and the SDLRS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Readiness for self-directed learning is associated with self-directed learning habits, but may not be necessary for learning foundational knowledge, provided students are given specific instructions on what to study. Whether high readiness for self-directed learning is necessary for more complex learning or for self-identification of learning needs is unknown.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA. zdeyo@unch.unc.edu
authors.forename: Zachariah M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Deyo
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Huynh
authors.forename: Charmaine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rochester
authors.forename: Deborah A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Sturpe
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kiser
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult