Relationship Between Lifelong Learning Tendencies and Self-directed Learning Skills of Teacher Candidates

The aim of the research is to investigate the relationship between teacher candidates’ lifelong learning tendencies and self-directed learning skills. The research was conducted by the relational research method. The sample contains 529 teacher candidates who were selected by maximum diversity sampling method. In the research, “Personal Information Form” was used to obtain information about demographic characteristics of teacher candidates. “Lifelong Learning Tendencies (LLT)” scale developed by Diker-Coşkun (2009) was used to determine the lifelong learning tendencies of teacher candidates and “Self-Directed Learning Skills (SDLS)” scale developed by Aşkın Tekkol and Demirel (2018) was used to determine self-directed learning skills. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and correlation analyzes were used to find answers to the research questions. As a result of the research, LLT and SDLS of teacher candidates are at high levels. Additionally, it was revealed that the LLT scores of teacher candidates differ significantly according to gender, CGPA (Cumulative Grade Points Average) of teacher candidates and their reasons for choosing departments. When the SDLS of teacher candidates examined, it is found that SDLS of teacher candidates did not differ significantly according to gender. Also, it was revealed that the SDLS scores of teacher candidates differ significantly according to CGPA of teacher candidates and their reasons for choosing departments. Furthermore, the relationships between the sub-dimensions of the variables are examined by Pearson correlation analysis and the analysis revealed generally positive and moderately to highly significant relationships between different dimentions of LLT and SDLS of prospective teachers.