Self‐directed learning in dental hygiene students: Impact of locus of control and personality traits

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify demographic variables, the level of self‐directed learning (SDL), locus of control (LOC), and personality traits in dental hygiene (DH) students and to identify predictive variables for SDL.MethodsCross‐sectional survey research was conducted with a convenience sample of DH students (n = 229) in the United States using a web‐based survey. The validated instruments used were the Self‐Directed Learning Instrument (SDLI) to determine level of SDL, the Academic Locus of Control (ALC) scale for college students to evaluate LOC, and the Big Five Inventory‐2‐Extra Short Form (BFI‐2‐XS) to identify personality traits. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were performed.ResultsThe completion rate was 68.9% (n = 159). The average SDLI score of the sample was 82.59, indicating a high overall level of SDL. The average ALC score was 10.34, indicating an overall internal LOC. Internal LOC (B = −0.319, SE = 0.082, β = ‐0.330, p < 0.001) and an open‐minded personality trait (B = 1.156, SE = 0.363, β = 0.233, p = 0.002) emerged as significant predictors of learning motivation (B = −0.138, SE = 0.057, β = −0.214, p < 0.017) and self‐monitoring (B = 0.553, SE = 0.253, β = 0.167, p = 0.030) SDLI constructs.ConclusionSDL among DH students can be cultivated by enhancing their learning motivation and self‐monitoring skills. This may be achieved by helping learners increase their internal locus of control and open‐mindedness. Future studies should explore exercises to help promote these traits.