Table 1.

Information on articles included in the systematic review

Ref. no.	Summary of major findings	Research type/ Data collection scale
22	Different viewpoints on critical thinking, self-directed learning through problem solving, expansion of group work, persistence in work	Mixed method / questionnaire and interview
27	Five skills related to exploration creativity are: Sharing, Questioning, Observing, Network, Empiricism	Functional
32	To achieve lifelong learning, continuing education should be flexible and multidimensional/ requirements for continuing education to facilitate lifelong learning	Systematic review
39	A curriculum does not influence self-directed learning on its own.	Quasi-experimental / questionnaire
35	Interaction with system (learner, instructor, and electronic system) is a factor of persistence and interest in learning.	Quasi-experimental/ questionnaire
36	Attachment to a group increases self-confidence, self-direction, and interest in continued learning.	Quasi-experimental/ questionnaire
23	Role of person-specific programs in people’s interest in lifelong learning	Cross-sectional/ Questionnaire
26	Role of internal and environmental factors and patients in lifelong learning	Qualitative research/ semi-structured questionnaire
25	Raising questions about self-direction / skills fade away over time.	Systematic review/ theme analysis
19	Notion of lifelong learning – behavioral characteristics of lifelong learners	Delphi
20	Metaphors about lifelong learning	Qualitative and quantitative
24	Role and barriers of continuing education in lifelong learning	Descriptive – analytical / questionnaire
27	6 competencies for self-directed learning	Discussion
29	Basic principles of self-directed learning	Systematic review
31	Viewpoints of teachers and students on self-directed learning notions	Qualitative research/ interview
28	Facilitators and barriers of self-directed learning	Qualitative – focus group
34	Barriers and strategies of self-directed learning	Qualitative study – interview – self-report
38	Lecturing environment along with learning are more effective than learning, depending on the case.	Quasi-experimental/ questionnaire
41	Action organizations are strong stimuli for involvement in lifelong learning	discussion
33	Motivation factors, education priorities, and need assessment in continuing education	Systematic review
30	Teaching critical thinking, problem solving, and metacognition positively affect self-directed learning	RCT questionnaire
40	Thinking style is related to self-directed learning.	Descriptive-correlational / questionnaire