Revitalizing the Oddi Continuing Learning Inventory

Abstract

The Oddi Continuing Learning Inventory (OCLI) is one of the most popular instruments for measuring self-directed learning (SDL). Although several previous studies have validated it, an exploratory application of confirmatory factor analysis had not been attempted; such an analysis provided new insights. Responses from 159 students from Aalborg University, a Problem-Based Learning institution known for its high degree of self-directed project work, were analyzed. This investigation examines all previously suggested factor structures against commonly applied measures and further develops the most promising, identifying a new three-factor structure reaching standard thresholds of model fit. The newly identified underlying dimensions of the OCLI—internal locus of control, the ability to be self-regulating, and avidity for learning—simplify the interpretation of the factors and help mitigate some of the instrument’s previous problems. This will serve to keep the OCLI relevant as an instrument for measuring self-directed learning in the future. We recommend further studies to revise the OCLI, rephrasing and reconceptualizing items that have aged poorly as well as investigating the pattern of the reverse-coded items. Lastly this paper suggests that other statistical instruments might be revitalized through the application of similar methods, taking advantage of the advances in computation and statistical analysis.

Self-Directed Learning in Problem-and Project-Based Learning: A Study of Self-Direction in the Aalborg PBL Model

“…The study ultimately found that the OCLI can be applied to gain instights into SDL in a context such as AAU PBL with certain limitations in mind, as elaborated in paper 1 (Clausen & Hansen, 2022). Findings indicate that the OCLI measures stable underlying dimensions related to SDL and that the methodology applied to revalidate it could advantageously be used to revitalize other instruments of similar potential.…”

“…Chapter 3 outlines the process of revalidating the Oddi Continuing Learning Inventory (OCLI), an instrument designed to assess an individual's inclination towards self-direction in learning. This effort takes aim at answering the first subordinate research question and the results are also reported in paper 1 (Clausen & Hansen, 2022). The chapter further elaborates on the review of prior validation studies pertaining to the OCLI present in the paper.…”

“…The study supports the continued use of the OCLI with certain limitations in mind. This phase is disseminated in chapter 3 and paper 1 (Clausen & Hansen, 2022).…”

“…After extensive testing, Oddi had worked down her initial 100 items to the aforementioned 24 and concluded that the instrument had demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability (Oddi, 1984(Oddi, , 1986). Oddi's and other scholars' effort to validate the OCLI are thoroughly reviewed in chapter 3 of this thesis and paper 1 (Clausen & Hansen, 2022). Even though Brookfield might have been wary of the appropriateness of Oddi's efforts to gauge self-direction with a standardized statistical instrument, her instrument is an attempt at measuring the kind of internal change in consciousness which he suggests should be labeled self-directed learning (Brookfield, 1985).…”

“…Subsequent to this, the aim was for this process to yield a factor model that is both theoretically coherent and interpretable. Upon optimizing the OCLI to an adequately performing factor structure, we delved into factor interpretation and found that the refinement process had also yielded more theoretically unidimensional factors (Clausen & Hansen, 2022). Intuitively, by reducing the number of variables encompassed within a particular factor structure, one would expect the factors to gravitate towards unidimensionality, if the same number of factors is retained.…”