As in life, this web site-portfolio is a work in progress. What I want to show through it is how self-directed learning can be a more affirming and caring way to learn because of its highly adaptable nature. With this website-portfolio, I also hope that the goals of adult education are recognised as purposeful: it strives for self-improvement and enlightenment, which can bring about changes at the individual and societal levels.

Self-directed learning has often been criticised for being overly focused on the individual to the exclusion of the collective experience. Such a belief is not realistic. Indeed, a self-directed learning approach may be practised collaboratively with other learners, depending on circumstances. It is crucial, however, that individual circumstances be considered in determining whether a teacher-centred or student-centred approach to learning will, at any given time, be the most effective approach to take.

Finally, it is important to note that although many of the documents included here are ones that promote a self-directed approach to learning in a formal institution, self-directed learning is not exclusive to this environment. Self-directed learning encourages adult learners to engage in self-initiated projects in daily life. Quite simply, the process involves a person gathering materials and tools that can help to achieve an end and uses cognitive skills to assess and evaluate progress. I believe this is self-directed learning's greatest gift: to provide adult learners the opportunity to express themselves freely and creatively.