Effects of motivation,academic stress and age in predicting self-directed learning readiness (SDLR): Focused on online college students

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among online students might be significantly predicted by motivation, academic stress, and age. To complete the purpose of this study, the Pearson correlation and multiple-regression are analyzed. The participants for this study are college students who are taking online counseling classes at one online university in Korea. A total of 186 students responded to the web-survey questionnaire. The Pearson correlation is used to examine whether there are significant correlations among motivation, academic stress, age, and SDLR. Results show that motivation and academic stress have an influence on the level of SDLR. However, there is no significant relationship between age and SDLR. Also, the multiple-regression is used to analyze any influence on three predictors (motivation, academic stress, and age) in predicting SDLR. As a result, motivation and academic stress turn out as significant predictors which are influential in predicting the level of SDLR. However, the variable of the age among online college students is not influential in predicting the level of SDLR. Lastly, suggestions and implications are discussed for future study.