Self-directed Learning

Starting from the Spring semester of the 2020 academic year, NCCU implemented the Course-Based Self-directed Learning system.

Class-based self-directed learning courses are courses where the content and learning approach are designed by students alone or jointly developed by faculty and Full-time and part-time faculty members or eligible full-time researchers of the university may teach or supervise these courses. Proposals involving certificate-based courses, courses already offered by the University, or repeated submissions of similar courses for a third time shall not be accepted.

Course title and credits

The course title shall be “Self-Directed Learning Project: [Learning Topic].” The course period is one semester in principle, with credits ranging from one to two credits.

Application

One or more undergraduate students at NCCU should submit a self-directed learning plan and relevant application documents as announced by the Center of General Education (hereinafter referred as “the Center”). Proposers shall possess the prerequisite knowledge for self-directed learning, attend the course in its entirety, and be responsible for the course implementation and the submission of a final report. Failure to fulfill any of these requirements without just cause will result in disqualification from submitting proposals for a period of two years.

Review Process

The self-directed learning proposal must first be reviewed by the Center, and then evaluated by the College General Education Domain Review Committee. The course will only be offered upon approval by both the General Education Committee and the Academic Affairs Council.

Hourly lecture fee and funding sources

• The course budget shall be capped at the product of the hourly pay rate for professors, the number of credits, and the number of instructional weeks. Funding may come from government subsidies or the University’s self-generated revenue. Duplicate applications for other subsidies from the Office of Academic Affairs are not permitted.
• In accordance with Ministry of Education regulations, instructors shall be compensated based on their actual teaching hours. Since these courses fall outside the regular degree programs, the teaching hours shall not count toward the full-time faculty member’s official teaching load for the academic year.
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• Instructors are responsible for the overall management of the course and the assessment of student performance. If the actual teaching hours are less than half of the total scheduled hours, the instructor may instead be compensated at the rate applicable for supervising a master’s thesis.

The Certification-based Self-directed Learning system has been implemented since the 2023 academic year. To encourage students to develop problem-solving and innovative practical abilities, students may apply for self-directed learning credit certification after completing a learning project independently or under the guidance of a faculty member. Credit certification may also be obtained through participation in programs such as overseas internships or international volunteer work.

Students may submit their proposals online at any time during the semester or during winter/summer breaks. There are no restrictions on the duration or completion timeline of the project. Upon completion, students are required to present their outcomes and submit a learning portfolio and relevant materials during the following semester’s certification application period. Applications are reviewed by the College General Education Domain Committee. Evaluation is conducted on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis, and outstanding projects may receive additional recognition or awards.

Compared to Course-Based Self-directed Learning, the Certification-based system offers greater flexibility in terms of time, space, and format. With the University’s support, NCCU students are empowered to explore a wider range of self-directed learning opportunities.

Course title and credits

The course shall be titled “Independent Practical Learning”. There is no fixed duration for learning. Credits are awarded based on a minimum unit of one credit, up to a maximum of two credits.

Application

Students may apply at any time during the semester.

Review

Students must submit their learning portfolios during the certification period designated each semester. Review is conducted by the College General Education Domain Subcommittee. Credits are awarded on a pass/fail basis.

Contact:
Ms. Chang, Center for General Education
Tel: +886-2-2939-3091 ext. 63871
Email: chy@nccu.edu.tw