Abstract:

The general purpose of the research is to examine self-directed learning skills and thinking styles of university students. The research is based on the correlational survey model. The population consists of 1st,2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students studying at Kahramanmaraş Sutçu Imam University in the 2019-2020 academic year. The sample of the study, on the other hand, consists of 600 students, 436 females and 164 males, selected through convenience sampling model. “Personal Information Form”, “Self-Directed Learning Skills Scale” and “Thinking Styles Scale” were used as data collection tools. In accordance with the sub-objectives of the study, descriptive statistics, independent groups t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), LSD significance test, Kruskal Wallis H-test, Mann Whitney U-test, and to determine the relationship between self-directed learning skills and thinking styles Pearson correlation analysis was used. The results show that the self-directed learning skills of university students are lower than average and there are statistically significant differences in self-directed learning skills according to gender, department, and desire to get graduate education variables. When examined students’ thinking styles, it is found that students’ thinking styles are higher than average and there is no significant difference according to gender except for hierarchical thinking style, and department where they attend. On the other hand, there are significant differences according to their desire to get graduate education. Also, there are generally a negative relationship between university student’s self-directed learning skills and their thinking styles.

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