Self-directed learning

Program Purpose
The program aims to encourage students to explore project themes and execute project plans based on their interests. Thus, students own and deliver on learning outcomes via research practices, tossing around questions for brainstorming, data collection/ analysis/ integration, and outcome presentation. Through the process, students’ competencies are cultivated through self-learning, data sorting, problem solving and communication skills. During the process, they document their learning journey for self-reflection and continuous improvement. Students are expected to gain experience by hands-on practice and explore future development pathway, while also advancing their interdisciplinary learning capacity and self-learning literacy.
Eligibility and Team Size

Open to all enrolled MCU students to freely form teams to participate.

  • Two – four members per team (including 1 team leader) wherein self-directed learning is conducted for completing learning outcomes through teamwork.
  • Each student may participate in no more than 2 teams.
Project Topics

Based on the shared interests and motivations of team members, students set their own topic. Teams are encouraged to focus on interdisciplinary learning or SDGs for direction, integrating with observations in daily life, professional knowledge, social issues, or personal interests with research value.

Please observe the following rules upon applying:

  • Project topics must be independently organized by students. Existing course assignments/reports, special topic projects, or graduation projects submitted as a part of the application will not be accepted.
  • The project goal is to center on self-directed exploration, skill development or thematic research. Any application that attempts serve other purposes, such as meeting graduation requirements or boosting course grades, will not be accepted.
  • Learning contents should be researchable and analytical in nature; avoiding mere data accumulation or simple compilation.
  • Project topic duplication with previous or other applications is not accepted.
  • Each student may participate in no more than 2 teams. Topic duplication is not allowed.
Application Method

For this application, the project proposal should be self-directed, covering learning goals, learning contents, learning methods, learning schedule, and expected outcomes which are to be completely filled out on the application form.

  • Application Method: Team leader shall file the application by filling out the eForm.
  • Application Deadline: By 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
  • Notification of Results: Applications will be reviewed by a committee which will select 30 teams. The result notification will be emailed to all team members on Friday, October 2, 2026 (tentatively). Team leaders of the selected teams will join the designated Moodle section of Teaching and Learning Resources Center for follow-up tasks such as worksheet download and outcome upload.
Submission of Learning Outcomes
  • Required Documents
    1. Self-directed Learning Outcome Presentation (in both PowerPoint and PDF formats)
    2. Meeting Log (Template can be downloaded from Moodle)
  • Submission Deadline: Upload by 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
  • Means of Submission: Team leaders upload the documents to the Moodle section.
    1. Cover page (Topic, Names of Members)
    2. Learning Motivative and Goals
    3. Learning Methods and Implementation Process
    4. Presentation of Outcomes (e.g., work samples, charts, statistics, etc.)
    5. Learning Takeaways and Reflection
    6. Outlook on Future Improvements
  • Templates for Meeting Log:
    • Conduct at least 2 team meetings, at least 1 hour per meeting.
    • Meeting photos must be attached as evidence where attendees must be clearly recognizable. No identical photos should be found in the evidence.
  • Reminder: Those who fail to finish the submission of required documents (above) will be considered as an incomplete project.
Financial Subsidy
  • Project Startup Fund: NT$500 per person, issued upon application acceptance.
  • Project Completion Reward: NT$1,500 per person, disbursed after punctual submission of the application materials and verification of accurate documentation.
  • Outstanding Achievement Incentive: Outstanding teams will be selected for additional rewards based on annual budget availability and team performance.
  • Quota: Up to 30 teams will be awarded this semester.
  • Notes: Funds, incentives and awards will be disbursed in accordance with relevant university regulations.
Other Regulations
  • To uphold the spirit of self-directed learning, all documents, both for application or project outcomes, must be written independently by the students. If students are assisted by AI tools for drafting documents, they must still independently organize, analyze, and rewrite the contents. The act of directly copying AI-generated contents is strictly prohibited.
  • Each team must complete the self-directed learning process and submit outcome presentations as required. Incomplete submissions will not be eligible for project closure.
  • Each participant must complete personal bank account settings in the Student Information System. This is to be ready for receiving the granted fund/incentive/award.
  • Project outcomes may serve as means of positive publicity for the Teaching and Learning Resources Center at exhibitions, promotion campaigns, and related events.
  • The Teaching and Learning Resources Center reserves the right to modify and interpret the contents of the submitted projects. Any unmentioned matters will be announced separately.