The outcome of student self-direction in learning may be influenced by a range of factors, such as students'
personal characteristics and their perception of learning environment. The study aimed to identifying factors
influencing self-directed learning readiness among fourth year nursing students at Faculty of Nursing, Benha
University. The study sample was all fourth year nursing students in academic year 2009- 2010 (214 students).
Three different tools were used for data collection; self-directed learning readiness scale (40 items), students
achievement goal scale (20 items) and student' perception of learning environment questionnaire (36 items). The
result showed that the highest percent of students were having readiness for self-directed learning and their scores
were leaning toward the end, students reported neutral perception of their learning environment, and achievement
goal orientation of the majority of them was mastery and performance, there was no significant correlation between
students' self-directed learning readiness and their personnel characteristics, students' self-directed learning
readiness was significantly and positively correlated with their perception of learning environment, mastery,
performance achievement goals and significantly negatively correlated with alienation achievement goal. The study
recommended; development of methods for assessing students, focus on measuring students' qualitative learning
outcomes, conduct training programs for teaching staff about developing electronic courses and designing and
using self-directed learning activities in their teaching.