Self-directed learning in the context of a nursing curriculum: development of a learning plan.

The rapid pace at which biological health breakthroughs and advancements in technology occur is creating unique challenges to health care programmes. The curricula of all health care programmes will need to be set in learning environments where students will be able to develop learning skills that are transportable across situations, over a whole lifetime. This article attempts to focus on self-directed learning (SDL) concepts and the development of a learning contract/plan, including the roles of both the student and faculty in self-learning approaches and contractual development.