The Role of Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Critical Thinking Disposition in Student's Interaction in Blended Learning Environment

Since electronic interaction of students in teaching-learning process in blended learning as well as identification of factors influencing it are essential, this study aimed to investigate the role of self-directed learning readiness and critical thinking disposition in Nursing and Midwifery students’ interaction in blended learning environment. This descriptive study was performed on all undergraduate students studying at Nursing and Midwifery school of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (764 students) in 2013-2014 academic years. The sample included 260 subjects who were selected through stratified sampling method using Krejcie and Morgan’s table. The data were collected through Fisher’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, Rickett's critical thinking disposition questionnaire, and a questionnaire regarding students’ attitudes toward interactions in blended learning environment. The collected data were analyzed using MANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression. Most students strongly agreed with interaction in blended learning environment (92 percent). A significant difference was found among different aspects of males and females’ self-directed learning readiness (f=15.57 and p<0.01). Self-control, self-management, willingness to learn from self-directed learning levels, and innovation out of critical thinking disposition components were variables that predicted students’ attitudes toward the interaction in blended learning environment (f=24.5 and p<0.01). This study showed that students had a positive attitude toward the interaction in blended learning environment. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on and use the blended learning approach in the current educational system.