RESUMEN
PURPOSE: This study was done to verify the self-directed learning instrument (SDLI) developed to measure self-directed learning ability in nursing students. METHODS: The participants for the study were 425 nursing college students. Their self-directed learning was verified using self-reports and results through questionnaires. SDLI was translated into Korean through translation/reverse translation process and its content validity verified by five experts. The validity of the instrument was verified through item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability verification was analyzed using internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: Four factors were identified through exploratory factor analysis and 20 items of the original instrument were found to be valid. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the validity of the instrument was verified as the model was valid. The internal consistency reliability was also acceptable and SDLI was found to be an applicable instrument. CONCLUSION: SDLI has been developed and verified by selecting nursing students as participants for the study. Use if SDLI is expected to improve the quality of self-directed learning in nursing education and to be used in future nursing research.