I see a lot about self-directed learning in the L&D space. I do wonder whether we are talking about self-direction or self-determination though.

Self-direction would require us to let people learn where, when, how, and whatever they wanted to, for whatever reason they choose. I’m not sure we’re that open. Are we willing to let people choose their own why?

In workplace learning we offer less independence than that; self-determination means people can learn when, where and how we specify and an illusion of choice isn’t choice.

If we’re not offering an open choice, why are we dressing it up as such?