Longitudinal self-directed competence development of university students through self-reflection. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colomer, Jordi; Serra, Teresa; Gras, M. Eugènia; Cañabate, Dolors
• Is Part Of: Reflective practice. Volume 22:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 727
• Page End: 740
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Self-directed learning -- self-reflection -- self-regulation -- competences; Professions -- Periodicals; Reflection (Philosophy) -- Periodicals; Thought and thinking -- Periodicals; Self-knowledge, Theory of -- Periodicals; Career development -- Periodicals; 370.15
• DOI: 10.1080/14623943.2021.1964947
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3943

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article presents and explores a framework for self-directed competence development (SDCD) for tertiary students to advance conceptual understanding and practical applications of self-development approaches for the critical assimilation of core competences. The study is based on a four-year longitudinal follow-up of science students from four bachelor's degrees in a science faculty. The students reflected on five basic self-development competencies individually, but were supported by continuous tutoring. The nature of student self-development was thereby explored. The analysis was based on the students' perceptions of how the year-to-year longitudinal reflection process on competencies developed in classes generated self-knowledge, connections between experience and knowledge, self-reflection, and self-regulation of competencies. Participants showed a significant increase in their awareness of self-knowledge over the four years, along with a decreasing need for self-reflection and self-regulated acquisition of competencies. It is argued that supporting effective SDCD through reflection results in instruction that may intervene in managing one's emotional reactions to a daily or professional situation, critically increase one's awareness of the practice of self-reflection, and enact processes of self-regulation for one's individual development.