This is another function of CONSENSUS.
MY PROMPT
Create a table showing the differences between self-directed learning and self regulated learning
THE RESULT
Summary:
SDL emphasizes learner autonomy and responsibility for the entire learning process, while SRL focuses on the specific strategies and processes learners use to regulate their learning. SDL is broader and may include SRL, but SRL is more about the moment-to-moment management of learning activities.
Aspect Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Key Citation(s)
Definition General approach where learners take initiative and responsibility for their learning Dynamic, context-specific process involving strategies to manage cognition, motivation, behavior (Gandomkar & Sandars, 2018; Dunk & Craft, 2025; Magda et al., 2008; Saks & Leijen, 2014)
Focus Learner autonomy, decision-making about goals, content, and evaluation of learning Teachable strategies and processes supporting learning (goal-setting, monitoring, reflection) (Dunk & Craft, 2025; Magda et al., 2008; Saks & Leijen, 2014; Sandars & Walsh, 2016)
Measurement Assessed with ‘aptitude’ questionnaires (general traits) Assessed with ‘event’ measures (contextual, process-based, e.g., microanalysis) (Gandomkar & Sandars, 2018; Saks & Leijen, 2014)
Role in Learning Encompasses broader learner control, including selection and evaluation of materials Emphasizes self-monitoring, self-efficacy, and behavioral regulation during learning (Magda et al., 2008; Abdullah et al., 2024; Sandars & Walsh, 2016)
Relationship SDL can include SRL as a component, but SRL does not necessarily include SDL SRL is often a subset or strategy within SDL (Magda et al., 2008; Sandars & Walsh, 2016)
Application Context Often used in lifelong learning, professional and adult education Applied in academic settings to foster academic success and readiness for SDL (Dunk & Craft, 2025; Wang, 2015; Du et al., 2024)
References
Gandomkar, R., & Sandars, J. (2018). Clearing the confusion about self-directed learning and self-regulated learning. Medical Teacher, 40, 862 - 863. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2018.1425382
Dunk, V., & Craft, J. (2025). Beyond Self-Directed Learning: The Role of Self-Regulated Learning in Nursing Education.. The Journal of nursing education, 64 5, 287-293. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20250108-07
Magda, J., Loyens, S., & Rikers, R. (2008). Self-Directed Learning in Problem-Based Learning and its Relationships with Self-Regulated Learning. Educational Psychology Review, 20, 411-427. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10648-008-9082-7
Saks, K., & Leijen, Ä. (2014). Distinguishing Self-directed and Self-regulated Learning and Measuring them in the E-learning Context☆. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 112, 190-198. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SBSPRO.2014.01.1155
Abdullah, Z., Gul, N., Murtaza, S., Aman, K., & Nisa, W. (2024). Relationship between Self-Directed Learning and Self-Regulated Learning in Problem-Based Learning. Pakistan Journal of Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v5i12.2501
Sandars, J., & Walsh, K. (2016). Self-directed learning. Education for Primary Care, 27, 151 - 152. https://doi.org/10.1080/14739879.2016.1149956
Wang, J. (2015). Distinguish self-regulated learning from self-directed learning. **.
Du, X., Jiang, D., Fink, T., Gupta, N., & Ali, K. (2024). Beyond autonomy: unpacking self-regulated and self-directed learning through the lens of learner agency- a scoping review. BMC Medical Education, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06476-x
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POSTSCRIPT
Of course, the other AI chatbots (Perplexity, Grox, Deepseek, etc.) can also provide an answer in the form of a table. But CONSENSUS's output is based on academic papers and it also gives you the sources.
