In today's rapidly developing knowledge technologies, particularly GenAI, traditional educational approaches are increasingly inadequate. Therefore, the ability to learn autonomously has become essential. Heutagogy (self-determined learning) addresses this need by placing learners at the center of their educational journey. Heutagogy aims to empower individuals to take full responsibility for every aspect of their learning process: from selecting topics and choosing collaborators to determining learning methods and conducting self-assessment. This approach transforms learning from a structured, instructor-led activity into a learner-driven experience, making it a cornerstone of future skills of lifelong learning. However, heutagogy also presents significant challenges for today's students, including difficulties in self-management, self-assessment, and making autonomous decisions regarding their learning. This study aims to identify the critical decision-making junctures for self-determined learners. The study included 70 students who participated in heutagogical approach courses. The research tool consisted of open-ended questionnaires that focused on the students' learning experience, challenges encountered, and points where guidance was needed. The findings identified six decision-making junctures where learners reported a need for structured tools to support their learning progress:
• Topic selection and initial motivation for learning
• Monitor learning progress and make necessary adjustments
• Find collaborators
• Identify relevant and quality learning resources
• Identify areas where they need to improve
• Self-assessment
These findings offer insights for educators who want to enable autonomy while offering scaffolding. Moreover, based on this research, we propose developing a self-monitoring mobile application to promote self-determined learning.

Authors:
Sharon Hardof-Jaffe, Levinsky-Wingate Academic College, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Sharon Hardof-Jaffe is the head of the Education Department at Levinsky College of Education. Her research seeks to reveal the role of everyday digital platforms in formal and non-formal learning and development processes.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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