Enhancement of students‟ motivation using online self directed learning approach for Malaysian learners

Motivation is an important factor in the learning and teaching environment to ensure
students‟ continuous learning. In the adults learning style, Self-directed Learning (SDL) is
the most popular method to be implemented. Nowadays in the ICT era, online learning will
replace the conventional, or face-to-face learning for a variety of reasons. In this paper, the
authors identify and determine the appropriate learning instruction to be designed and
embedded in online self-directed learning based on the online SDL model developed by
Song and Hill, 2007. The research respondents comprised 239 diploma students on a
mechanical engineering course at a polytechnic under the Ministry of higher Education,
Malaysia. This study identifies the effect of online self-directed learning on students‟
motivation. Therefore, it can be concluded that online SDL can have a positive impact on
the enhancement of students‟ motivation. The findings of this research show an increase in
the level of student motivation after implementation of online SDL