The Reality of Latakia University Students’ Possession of Self-Directed Learning Skills in Foreign Language Learning “A Field Study in Latakia University”

Abstract

The present study investigates the extent to which students at the University of Latakia possess self-directed learning skills in foreign language acquisition, focusing on three core dimensions: time managementand learning planning, research and access to educational resources, and self-assessment and follow-up. It further examines potential differences in students’ perceptions of these skills with respect to gender, academic major, and academic year. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a researcher-developed questionnaire that was reviewed by experts and verified for its psychometric properties. The instrument was administered to a sample of 194 male and female students enrolled at the University of Latakia.

Findings revealed that students’ levels of self-directed learning skills were moderate in time management and planning, as well as in research and access to learning resources, whereas they were high in self-assessment and follow-up. Moreover, the analysis indicated no statistically significant differences in students’ perceptions according to gender. In contrast, significant differences were observed by academic major, in favor of the Faculty of Education, and by academic year, in favor of students with longer study duration (more than six years).