Effectiveness of the Self-determination Educational Package on Self-directed Learning and Decision-making Styles among High School Students

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to develop a self-determination educational package and determine its effectiveness on Self-Directed Learning and Decision making Styles of high school students. Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test with the control group and follow up. At first, self-determination educational package was compiled using library studies, then the rate of content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) was determined by the experts. Using a multistage cluster random sampling method, a 22-members class and a 20-members class of 10th grade empirical science filed were assigned to the experimental group and the control group, respectively, that experimental group had 2 students drop. The experimental group received an educational package in eight 90-minute sessions, and the control group did not receive any education. The findings were analysed using covariance analysis and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The content validity index (CVI) for all goals in the educational package was 0.9 to 1, and the content validity ratio (CVR) for all goals in the educational protocol was 0.8 to 1. Findings showed that the self-determination educational package had the most effectiveness in Self-Directed Learning variable, respectively in planning and implementation, learning motivation, Self-Monitoring and then interpersonal communication. Regarding the decision-making Styles, the greatest change was observed respectively in Spontaneous, rational, and then Intuitive decision-making Style of students. Moreover, no meaningful difference between post-test and follow-up was detected, which reveals the stability of learning effects. Conclusions: Self-determination educational package has the potency to promote Self-Directed learning skills, as well as reduce the level of Spontaneous decisions and increase the level of logical decisions of high school students.