Improvement of Students' Self-Directed Learning Readiness through Problem-Based English Language Learning in Korea

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Improvement of Students' Self-Directed Learning Readiness through Problem-Based English Language Learning in Korea
Language: English
Authors: Insuk Han (ORCID 0000-0003-4139-4758)
Source: Language Teaching Research. 2026 30(5):2655-2686.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 32
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Independent Study, Secondary School Students, Readiness, Gender Differences, Stress Management, Time Management, Learning Strategies, Problem Based Learning
Geographic Terms: South Korea
DOI: 10.1177/13621688231186683
ISSN: 1362-1688
1477-0954
Abstract: The current study investigated how problem-based English language learning influenced Korean secondary students' self-directed learning readiness (SDLR). Based on the analysis of 78 students' responses on the pre- and post-surveys, it was revealed that the students experienced significant increases in their SDLR in 18 out of 46 items, and many were related to learning strategy management, examination management, and time management. While male students showed an increase in five items, female students revealed an increase in 19 items, mostly related to learning strategy management, stress management, and assignment management. In the analysis of the relative significance of the change, the females revealed a more meaningful increase of their SDLR in seven items compared to the males. The items were focused on assignment management, closely related to the qualities for problem-based learning (PBL). These outcomes imply that PBL-based English language lessons can be effective for developing Korean secondary students' SDLR. Additionally, as females' SDLR can be more extensively, promptly, and significantly improved by PBL than that of males, more precise planning and constant application of PBL seem necessary when organizing PBL-based English lessons for male students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1508063
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The current study investigated how problem-based English language learning influenced Korean secondary students' self-directed learning readiness (SDLR). Based on the analysis of 78 students' responses on the pre- and post-surveys, it was revealed that the students experienced significant increases in their SDLR in 18 out of 46 items, and many were related to learning strategy management, examination management, and time management. While male students showed an increase in five items, female students revealed an increase in 19 items, mostly related to learning strategy management, stress management, and assignment management. In the analysis of the relative significance of the change, the females revealed a more meaningful increase of their SDLR in seven items compared to the males. The items were focused on assignment management, closely related to the qualities for problem-based learning (PBL). These outcomes imply that PBL-based English language lessons can be effective for developing Korean secondary students' SDLR. Additionally, as females' SDLR can be more extensively, promptly, and significantly improved by PBL than that of males, more precise planning and constant application of PBL seem necessary when organizing PBL-based English lessons for male students.
ISSN:1362-1688
1477-0954
DOI:10.1177/13621688231186683