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The Journey of Lifelong Learning: Self-directed Growth

Lifelong learning has always been at the heart of my professional journey. After several decades in my career path, I've learned that the world doesn’t stand still, and neither can we. The evolving nature of our professional and personal lives demands constant growth, not just to stay relevant but to thrive. That’s where self-directed learning (SDL) comes in. It has empowered me to embrace my curiosity, explore emerging trends, and grow both personally and professionally, all on my terms.


A woman in red walks on a winding path under a vibrant sky with colorful swirls and a setting sun; symbolizing lifelong learning.
When we learn, we grow, we rise!

Why Lifelong Learning Matters to Me

To me, lifelong learning is more than a commitment, it’s a mindset. It’s the belief that we can continually adapt, improve, and enrich our lives through education. I remember learning to type on a heavy-duty typewriter in the late ’80s, then entering the workforce where desktop computers with thick monitors were all the rage. Before I knew it, my screen had icons, screens were thinner and, eventually, my desktop was obsolete! Don’t even get me started on flipping through encyclopedias, journals, and newspapers to research a topic. I was good at learning “the old way,” but I needed to ride the wave of the world and embrace the unstoppable momentum of progress. I’ve always enjoyed learning, and it’s been exciting to see how the process has evolved over time. In this rapidly changing world, SDL allows us to meet these challenges head-on by providing the flexibility to pursue new knowledge and skills at our own pace (Martin, 2021).


Curiosity My Driving Force

Curiosity has always been my compass in SDL. It’s what drives me to ask, “What’s next?” and “How can I do this better?” Whether I’m learning about instructional design tools, leadership strategies, or bilingual/ESL methodologies, curiosity fuels my exploration beyond the requirements of my role. As Zhu, Bonk, and Berri (2022) explain, intrinsic motivation, such as curiosity, is “a significant driver for self-directed learners in both personal and professional contexts” (p. 157).


Education is a field that never stands still, and SDL has been my anchor through its evolution. From the rise of online learning to the growing focus on equity and inclusion of multilingual learners, SDL has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve. Through SDL, I’ve not only acquired new skills but also deepened my understanding of trends that impact both my field and my future. For instance, exploring digital tools for professional growth highlighted their role in “enhancing accessibility and enabling personalized learning experiences” (Boyer et al., 2020, p. 363).


The Flexibility of Self-Directed Learning


A woman in a pink sweater and shoes works on a laptop on a yellow couch. Books and papers surround her in a colorful, cozy room.
Learning Anytime, Anywhere!

One of the greatest gifts of SDL is its flexibility. It fits into the nooks and crannies of my life, whether during a quiet evening at home or a few minutes between meetings. SDL has allowed me to grow without greatly sacrificing other aspects of my personal or professional life. As Martin (2021) notes, SDL “allows individuals to craft their learning journeys around their unique schedules, needs, and goals,” making it a vital tool for lifelong learning.


For me, self-directed learning bridges the gap between personal curiosity and professional aspirations. It lets me dive deep into areas that intrigue me while building skills that serve my career. When I explore a topic like instructional design or leading teams, I’m not just fulfilling a professional requirement. I’m also satisfying a personal curiosity about fostering meaningful change in others’ practices. That intersection of personal and professional growth is where the magic of SDL happens.


Final Thoughts

Lifelong learning, powered by self-directed exploration, isn’t just about acquiring new skills, it’s about reclaiming ownership of your professional growth. It’s about choosing what and how you learn based on your unique needs and aspirations. My journey with SDL taught me that when we take charge of our learning, the possibilities for growth are limitless.

Whether it’s exploring a new strategy in the field of education or developing leadership skills, let your curiosity guide you. Embrace self-directed learning, and watch how it transforms your journey, just as it has mine.




Pick One


How do you satisfy your curiosity and pursue new learning opportunities?

  • Video learning

  • Online self-paced learning

  • Reading blogs; journals

  • Professional conferences


References

Boyer, N. R., Edmondson, S., & Artis, S. (2020). Self-directed learning in the workplace: Leveraging digital tools to support professional growth. Journal of Workplace Learning, 32(5), 361–377. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-01-2020-0005

Martin, L. (2021, July 2). Self-directed and lifelong learning: How and why. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/self-directed-and-lifelong-learning-how-why

Zhu, M., Bonk, C. J., & Berri, S. (2022). Fostering self-directed learning in MOOCs: Motivation, learning strategies, and instruction. Online Learning Journal, 26(1), 153–173. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v26i1.2629

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