New perspectives on self-directed learning.

For more than three decades, self-directed learning (SDL) has been at the forefront of research and practice in adult education. Although there is nothing new about adults taking major responsibility for decisions about when, where, why, and how they learn, the publication of two key books, The Adults' Learning Projects (Tough, 1971/1979) and Self-Directed Learning: A Guide for Teachers and Learners (Knowles, 1975), set in motion a stream of inquiry that remains active today While some people have at times been critical of the emphasis placed on SDL, the topic remains important to a good understanding of how adults learn.

The six articles in this theme issue of Adult Learning bring together a host of authors who examine SDL from a wide range of perspectives. This issue includes a reflection on the evolution of SDL as an area of inquiry, several discussions of how SDL can be incorporated into practice, and some discussion about efforts to continue to expand our understanding of SDL as we begin to settle in to the 21st Century

In the opening article, Roger Hiemstra draws from his extensive experience in SDL to provide context for the evolution of SDL in adult education practice and research. He then goes on to address how those interested in SDL can keep the focus strong, especially in the face of challenges to this approach to learning.

The next three articles examine aspects of practice involving SDL. Michael W. Galbraith explores connections between mentoring and SDL. He describes several functions of the mentoring process and how self-directedness can add to each of these functions.

Cynthia Lee Andruske presents some important insights drawn from her research involving women on welfare. She describes SDL projects as "political acts" and, in doing so, makes an important contribution by adding to an understanding of the social and political contexts of SDL learners who are often marginalized by those charged with helping them learn "real skills for the real world."

An important component of SDL is how people utilize learning resources. Kathleen B. Rager discusses some of the ...