FORMS OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT ENHANCE SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING OF ADULTS

The research examines self-directed learning as the formation of new educational culture in the contexts of learning theories such as: constructive learning, social constructivism, experiential learning and action science . The key educational activities supporting and enabling the learning processes are distinguished and substantiated: learning by doing, learning through collaboration, learning through experience, which give new experiences to the learner as well as status, competences of educational and managerial field, and values. A qualitative approach was applied in the research and as a research strategy of a semi-structured interview was carried out, which allowed to characterize the experiences and individual meanings of research participants while they take part in non-formal educational activities that enhance their self-directed learning. The results obtained in the course of empirical research allow stating that self-directed learners broaden the variety of learning settings, shift the learning beyond the boundaries of a formal education institution and consciously learn through job-related and life activities in various groups, communicating and collaborating with colleagues. This enables the learners to reflect upon the experience gained in job-related and life activities, and shift from the formal learning to non-formal.