Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
From Self-Regulated Learning to Self-Directed Learning: A Developmental Shift Toward Learner Competence in the Digital Age
Nguyen Minh Giam
30 January 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 1, pp. 78-82
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-11
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What is this article about?
In the context of digital transformation and the development of intelligent learning ecosystems, the role of learners is shifting from passive knowledge acquisition to active knowledge construction and the shaping of their personal learning paths. Although self-regulated learning (SRL) and self-directed learning (SDL) are both considered foundations of lifelong learning, the relationship between these two concepts remains unclear in educational practice.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 30 January 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 1, pp. 78-82
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
In the context of digital transformation and the development of intelligent learning ecosystems, the role of learners is shifting from passive knowledge acquisition to active knowledge construction and the shaping of their personal learning paths. Although self-regulated learning (SRL) and self-directed learning (SDL) are both considered foundations of lifelong learning, the relationship between these two concepts remains unclear in educational practice. This paper analyzes the dialectical relationship between SRL and SDL to propose a theoretical framework for the shift towards developing learners' competencies. Through a synthesis of existing theoretical approaches, the study clarifies the functional hierarchy between the two concepts: SRL is seen as a process-level construct that supports learners in controlling the performance of specific learning tasks; Meanwhile, SDL is approached as a competency-level construct, linked to the level of autonomy, decision-making ability, and long-term learning strategy planning. Analysis shows that, in the digital age, these two concepts exist in a complementary and unified relationship, emphasizing the role of self-learning ability as a crucial factor not only for learning effectiveness but also for the sustainable adaptability of learners.
Keywords: Self-Regulated Learning – SRL, Self-Directed Learning – SDL, Lifelong Learning Competency, Digital Age, Competency Development
Cite this article
Nguyen Minh Giam (2026). From Self-Regulated Learning to Self-Directed Learning: A Developmental Shift Toward Learner Competence in the Digital Age. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(1), 78-82. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-11
@article{Nguyen2026,
title = {From Self-Regulated Learning to Self-Directed Learning: A Developmental Shift Toward Learner Competence in the Digital Age},
author = {Nguyen Minh Giam},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {78-82},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-11}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Nguyen Minh Giam.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 1, pages 78-82, published by EP Journals Group on 30 January 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-11 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-11).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Nguyen Minh Giam (2026). From Self-Regulated Learning to Self-Directed Learning: A Developmental Shift Toward Learner Competence in the Digital Age. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(1), 78-82. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-11
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