At the centre of the research project are multiple case studies which are qualitative and emerging in nature. The cases are reconstructed on the basis of extended narrative interviews with former upper secondary students who all experienced prolonged exposure to self-directed learning during their secondary school career. Procedures of analysis of the interviews are drawing on Naturalistic Inquiry (Lincoln & Guba) and Grounded Theory Methodology (Glaser & Strauss 1967).
To complement findings from the case studies as regards the aspect of self-directed learning (which might or might not play an important role in the narrative interviews), a standardised online survey will ask more specifically about former upper secondary (and now university) students' assessment of their exposure to SDL while at school and possible benefits of this experience for their ongoing higher studies. Analysis of these data will employ statistical procedures.
