Edinburgh Napier University

  One of the main features of higher education is the ability of students to undertake self directed study. However, the level of self directed study and the preparation which students receive prior to embarking on their studies can vary between different educational institutions and programme subjects. A review of self directed study within the veterinary nursing degree programme was carried out using questionnaires, and examination of module handbooks. Results revealed that students were expected to embark on high levels of self directed study from the start of their time at university a factor which may contribute to the number of students who leave university within their first year. Also students did not feel prepared to successfully carry out self directed study. The central role of the lecturer in teaching students how to learn and providing information about self directed learning was apparent.