Self-Directed Learning Model: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity (4C) Skills for Elementary School Students

Nurul Fachriyah 1 Indonesia , Abdul Wahid 1 Indonesia , Syarifah Nur Fajrin 1 Indonesia
1 Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Islam Makassar
Link Copied!
Published 2026-05-21
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026) PAGES 1739-1753
DOI 10.51574/ijrer.v5i3.4933
Views / Downloads 128 90

The challenges of modern education demand mastery of 21st-century skills (4Cs), but their implementation is often hampered by conventional learning patterns that have not been able to stimulate student independence. This study aims to analyze the application and influence of the Self-Directed Learning (SDL) model on Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity (4Cs) skills in fourth-grade students at Elementary School Inpres Paccerakkang, Makassar City. The method used is quantitative with a pre-experimental design, involving a sample of 29 students selected through a saturated sampling technique. The results of the study indicate that the application of the SDL model is effective in creating an active learning atmosphere and increasing student motivation. Furthermore, the hypothesis test shows a significant influence of the SDL model on 4Cs skills with a significance value of 0.00 < 0.05. This proves that the independent learning approach is empirically able to improve students' integrative abilities. Practically, this research contributes to educators implementing innovative student-centered strategies, as well as being a strategic reference for schools to produce graduates who are adaptive to the demands of the times through developing independent learning from an early age.

Fachriyah, N., Wahid, A., & Fajrin, S. N. (2026). Self-Directed Learning Model: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity (4C) Skills for Elementary School Students. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review , 5(3), 1739–1753. https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v5i3.4933
More Citation Formats
Download Citation

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
  1. Adams, N., Little, T. D., & Ryan, R. M. (2017). Self-determination theory. In Development of self-determination through the life-course (pp. 47-54). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1042-6_4
  2. Adigun, O. T., Mpofu, N., & Maphalala, M. C. (2025). Fostering self‐directed learning in blended learning environments: A constructivist perspective in Higher Education. Higher Education Quarterly, 79(1), e12572. https://doi.org/10.1111/hequ.12572
  3. Al-Hitani, M., & Embarak, F. (2025). Cultivating Independent Learners: Designing an Innovative Interactive Model to Enhance Self-Directed Learning and Autonomy in Elementary Education. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology. https://doi.org/10.15680/IJIRSET.2025.1401010
  4. Barus, R. A. (2024). 4C skills of the 21st century: Their nature and importance in primary school learning. Multidisciplinary Indonesian Center Journal (MICJO), 1(2), 689-696. https://doi.org/10.62567/micjo.v1i2.88
  5. Belolutskaya, A., Bukhalenkova, D., Krasheninnikov-Khait, E., Shiyan, I., Shiyan, O., & Veraksa, A. (2022). Constructivism and social constructivism in the study of relationship between early childhood education quality and executive function at 5–6 years old. In Piaget and Vygotsky in XXI century: Discourse in early childhood education (pp. 145-164). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05747-2_9
  6. Curran, V., Gustafson, D. L., Simmons, K., Lannon, H., Wang, C., Garmsiri, M., ... & Wetsch, L. (2019). Adult learners’ perceptions of self-directed learning and digital technology usage in continuing professional education: An update for the digital age. Journal of Adult and Continuing Education, 25(1), 74-93. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477971419827318
  7. Huang, Z., Li, Z., Wang, L., & Liu, H. (2025). Digital education for graduate students: literacy and skills development—A case study of non-linear control systems course. Frontiers in Education (Vol. 10, p. 1601717). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1601717
  8. Ibrahim, I. R., Ritiauw, S. P., & Ritiauw, L. (2026). Self Directed Learning Model on Social Sciences Learning Outcomes in Grade IV Students of Elementary School. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review, 5(2), 909-921. https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v5i2.4385
  9. Kamışlı, H., & Özonur, M. (2017). The effects of training–based on Knowles’ adult education principles–on participants. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(12), 8405-8414. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmste/80801
  10. Khiat, H. (2017). Academic performance and the practice of self-directed learning: The adult student perspective. Journal of further and Higher Education, 41(1), 44-59. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2015.1062849
  11. Kruszelnicki, W. (2020). Self-directedness and the question of autonomy: From counterfeit education to critical and transformative adult learning. Studies in Philosophy and Education, 39(2), 187-203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11217-019-09697-6
  12. Lazou, C., & Tsinakos, A. (2023). Critical immersive-triggered literacy as a key component for inclusive digital education. Education Sciences, 13(7), 696. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/13/7/696
  13. Loeng, S. (2020). Self‐directed learning: A core concept in adult education. Education Research International, 2020(1), 3816132. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3816132
  14. Mishra, N. R. (2023). Constructivist approach to learning: An analysis of pedagogical models of social constructivist learning theory. Journal of research and development, 6(01), 22-29. https://doi.org/10.3126/jrdn.v6i01.55227
  15. Morris, T. H., & Rohs, M. (2023). The potential for digital technology to support self-directed learning in formal education of children: A scoping review. Interactive learning environments, 31(4), 1974-1987. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1870501
  16. Nurfadila, M. Y. (2024). Junior Leadership Program: Empowering Elementary Students to Develop 4C Skills (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration). Advances in Community Services Research, 2(2), 74-86. https://doi.org/10.60079/acsr.v2i2.333
  17. Rahayani, Y. (2025). Indonesian Teachers' Experiences in Australia: Leveraging Funds of Knowledge in Global Education. In Funds of Knowledge in Teacher Education: Sustaining Local Diversity Amidst Global Standards (pp. 1-30). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-8094-9.ch001
  18. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary educational psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860
  19. Shahmohammadi, N., Sobhsninejad, M., & Hojatti, R. (2020). Review on the Effectiveness of Flipped learning Method on Increasing the Self-directed learning and Academic Achievement of sixth grade elementary students in Science Course. Teaching and Learning Research, 17(1), 77-90. https://doi.org/10.22070/tlr.2021.10220.0
  20. Thornhill-Miller, B., Camarda, A., Mercier, M., Burkhardt, J. M., Morisseau, T., Bourgeois-Bougrine, S., ... & Lubart, T. (2023). Creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration: Assessment, certification, and promotion of 21st century skills for the future of work and education. Journal of Intelligence, 11(3), 54. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-3200/11/3/54
  21. Tohani, E., & Aulia, I. (2022). Effects of 21st century learning on the development of critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills. Journal of Nonformal Education, 8(1), 46-53. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/nju/jone/article/view/33334
  22. Vallerand, R. J. (2021). Reflections on the legacy of self-determination theory. Motivation Science, 7(2), 115. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2021-68513-004
  23. Voskamp, A., Kuiper, E., & Volman, M. (2022). Teaching practices for self-directed and self-regulated learning: Case studies in Dutch innovative secondary schools. Educational Studies, 48(6), 772-789. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2020.1814699
  24. Weng, X., Cui, Z., Ng, O. L., Jong, M. S., & Chiu, T. K. (2022). Characterizing students’ 4C skills development during problem-based digital making. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 31(3), 372-385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-022-09961-4
  25. Woods, P. J., & Copur-Gencturk, Y. (2024). Examining the role of student-centered versus teacher-centered pedagogical approaches to self-directed learning through teaching. Teaching and Teacher Education, 138, 104415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104415
  26. Zamjani, I. (2022). The politics of educational decentralisation in Indonesia. A Quest for Legitimacy. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-6901-9
  27. Zhoc, K. C., Chung, T. S., & King, R. B. (2018). Emotional intelligence (EI) and self‐directed learning: Examining their relation and contribution to better student learning outcomes in higher education. British Educational Research Journal, 44(6), 982- https://doi.org/1004. 10.1002/berj.3472

Copyright (c) 2026 Nurul Fachriyah, Abdul Wahid, Syarifah Nur Fajrin

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Dimension Badge

Downloads

Downloads
Crossmark Badge
Crossmark Badge
Section
Articles
Keywords
Elementary School Education Learning Independence Self-Directed Learning 4Cs Skills