Work

Reliability and validity testing of the Chinese version of the self-directed learning scale among middle school students

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction This study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Self-Directed Learning Scale (SDLS) among 979 middle school students in China. Methods The scale was translated and culturally adapted using Brislin’s and Beaton’s cross-cultural procedures. Analyses conducted with SPSS 29.0 and Amos 26.0 included assessments of internal consistency, content validity, and structural validity. Results The SDLS demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.882; McDonald’s ω = 0.887; CR = 0.887) and excellent content validity (S-CVI/Ave = 0.980). Exploratory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure (KMO = 0.895), which was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis (χ 2 /df = 4.422, CFI = 0.951, TLI = 0.927, RMSEA = 0.084). Discussion The findings indicate that the Chinese SDLS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing self-directed learning in adolescents. It provides a practical tool for learner profiling and educational planning within China’s performance-oriented yet increasingly student-centered context.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1642596

Authors: Fei Cheng, Mei Foong Ang, Yana An, Chuan Li, Jian Yu

Institutions: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Hebei Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801