Self-directed learning (SDL): an approach to education that empowers learners to lead their own learning journey. They identify their own learning goals, the resources they need, and the strategies they want to adopt.  Then they set about gaining new knowledge or skill and, later, evaluate the outcome (Germeroth, 2024).

This freedom is empowering, but it also requires high levels of motivation. The role of an intermediary, such as a mentor or a learning coach, are important in traditional classrooms because they provide structure, encouragement, and feedback. However, in self-directed learning, that support must often be self-generated or sourced from alternative systems like digital tools or personal routines. 

This can be a great challenge, since learners are prone to procrastination, lack of structure, or burnout. Online courses often have higher dropout rates than traditional classroom courses, and some studies even show that 40-80% of online students drop out despite online class registrations increasing (Chen, 2025). Data from UVic’s 2020 online learning experience survey suggests that online courses can have lower retention rates compared to traditional classrooms, and students experience difficulties with navigating online course materials, insufficient time for projects and assignments, and confusion using new technologies (University of Victoria, 2020). These factors contribute to decreased engagement and increased stress among students.

This highlights a need for strategies that foster motivation and persistence in self-directed environments. Without face-to-face accountability or immediate instructor feedback, learners have to be able to self-regulate and manage their time efficiently. Practical tools can help mitigate these risks and support learners in staying committed to their educational goals.

Strategies to Foster Motivation

Goal-setting

One of the most effective ways to stay motivated in self-directed learning is to set clear, realistic goals. Vague ambitions like “learn Spanish” or “get better at coding” can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, you can break them down into smaller, measurable milestones which creates a sense of direction and purpose. DecisionSkills has a fantastic YouTube video that explains how to achieve this.

DecisionSkills explains the importance of using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), which can help learners stay focused an accountable. Rather than saying “I want to learn Python”, a SMART version would be: 

“Complete a basic Python module in 3 weeks by studying 30 minutes each weekday.” 

Setting SMART goals allows learners to turn vague intentions into clear, meaningful actions. This can make it more likely for the learner to stay motivated and achieve meaningful progress.

Tracking goals using digital tools such as Google Calendar or Trello (which we have done for this project) can help learners visualize their progress and celebrate milestones. 

Create a Structured Learning Environment

Photo by Alex jiang on Unsplash

In self-directed learning, structure doesn’t naturally exist and it is up to the learner to create it. Without the regular schedule of a classroom, learners can fall into inconsistent habits or lose momentum. It is therefore important to establish a dedicated structure to help bring discipline to each learning session

One effective method is time-blocking, where learners assign specific time slots during the day for learning. This not only creates routine but also helps reduce decision fatigue about when to study. For example, a learner might reserve 6:00-7:00 PM every weekday for course work or skill practice.

Techniques like the Pomodoro technique can be used to improve concentration and prevent burnout. The Pomodoro technique is when you study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. Breaking work into manageable intervals allows learners to turn time from a source of pressure into a motivating tool (Sheldon, 2022). Here is an online pomodoro timer that you can use. https://pomofocus.io/

A distraction free-zone is also crucial, whether it’s a quiet corner in your home or a local library. Personally, we prefer studying at UVic’s McPherson library because it removes us from the distractions at home, allows us to meet with students in person for group projects, and motivates us to stay focused as to not disturb other students who are also studying. 

Gamification

Photo by Alex jiang on Unsplash

Video games are not conventionally seen as an educational tool, but people would be surprised by how dedicated gamers are to learning new things to succeed in complex gaming environments. From mastering intricate strategies to understand game mechanics and collaborating with teammates, gamers often demonstrate high levels of persistence, problem-solving, and self-directed learning. This same motivation can be harnessed in educational contexts through gamification, which incorporates game elements such as leaderboards, point systems, or badges to enhance learning and increase engagement (). 

The appeal of some video games is that they provide immediate feedback, clear goals, and a sense of progression. These same principles can be applied to learning environments to make educational experiences more compelling and rewarding. Duolingo taps into this by using features such as streaks, experience points, and level-ups to encourage consistency and reward effort. The small rewards can be surprisingly effective at motivating learners to return daily, complete lessons, and stay engaged over time.

Progress tracking is another key motivator. Seeing tangible evidence of improvement can build momentum and reinforce a learner’s sense of capability. This can look like a completed checklist, a filled progress bar, or a visual learning dashboard.  If the learner wants to have a more interactive experience with learning, choosing educational platforms that use game elements can be a fantastic way for them to stay motivated. Conversely, the learner can choose to gamify their learning experience themselves by setting up personal reward systems, tracking progress with apps, and turning study sessions into challenges or quests. 

Build a Support Network

While self-directed learning emphasizes independence, it doesn’t mean that learners have to do it alone. Building a support network, whether in-person or online, allows learners to collaborate and hold each other accountable. It can be intimidating to reach out to other people, but it can be a very rewarding experience that can help both parties in their learning journeys.

For one of our courses (we are in the same program), someone created a Discord server which actually helped us feel better because, through the server, we realized that other people were struggling just as much as us. Because we had the support network, we were able to help each other out and succeed in the class. We were able to use the server as a discussion board or a place to share resources and celebrate progress together. 

Reward System

Reward systems can be a powerful way to keep motivation high, especially when working independently. Just like game rewards players with points, learners can use small rewards to reinforce positive study habits and progress.

Rewards don’t have to be extravagant. They can be as simple as a favourite snack after completing a tough module, watching an episode of a show after a focused study session, or taking a break to do something enjoyable once a daily goal is met. The idea is to create a positive association with learning through small incentives. 

One of our authors, Mandy, enjoys playing video games and visiting cute cafĂ©s. However, she’s found it difficult to fully enjoy these hobbies when a task is looming, even if there’s technically enough time to complete it later. A reward system is a great motivator for her because it motivates her to finish her tasks so that she can enjoy her hobbies without feeling an overwhelming sense of doom as the deadlines close in. It works great because it encourages her to complete n amount of work and can possibly build momentum to finish other tasks. Afterwards, she can finally get a refreshing jasmine green milk tea after working so hard; and it tastes extra good too because she worked for it!

 

References

Germeroth, K. (2024). What is self-directed learning and what are its benefits? Moodle. https://moodle.com/us/news/what-is-self-directed-learning/#:~:text=Self%2Ddirected%20learning%20is%20an,%2C%20later%2C%20evaluate%20the%20outcome.

Chen, R. (2025). How to Cut High Dropout Rates of Online Courses. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/dropout-rates-of-online-courses-cut-high#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that%2C%20although%20online,of%20online%20students%20drop%20out!

University of Victoria. (2020). Student and Instructor Online Experience: Fall 2020 Survey Results.https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/TeachAnywhere/wp-content/uploads/sites/4913/2021/01/Online-Experience-2020F-Survey-Results-v14.pdf

Sheldon, R. (2022). Pomodoro Technique. TechTarget. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/pomodoro-technique