Table 2 Results of exploratory principle component analysis of the Mainland Chinese version SDLI (n = 749)

1. I know what I need to learn.

.469

Learning motivation (LM)

2. Regardless of the results or effectiveness of my learning, I still like learning.

.645

3. I strongly hope to constantly improve and excel in my learning.

.706

4. My successes and failures inspire me to continue learning.

.715

5. I enjoy finding answers to questions

.611

6. I will not give up learning because I face some difficulties.

.672

7. I can pro-actively establish my learning goals.

.653

Planning and implementing (PI)

8. I know what learning strategies are appropriate for me in reaching my learning goals.

.709

9. I set the priorities of my learning.

.649

10. Whether in the clinical practicum, classroom or on my own, I am able to follow my own plan of learning.

.760

11. I am good at arranging and controlling my learning time.

.705

12. I know how to find resources for my learning.

.494

13. I can connect new knowledge with my own personal experiences.

.625

Self-monitoring (SM)

14. I understand the strengths and weakness of my learning.

.584

15. I can monitor my learning progress.

.738

16. I can evaluate on my own my learning outcomes.

.686

17. My interaction with others helps me plan for further learning.

.532

Interpersonal communication (IC)

18. I would like to learn the language and culture of those whom I frequently interact with.

.597

19. I am able to express messages effectively in oral presentations.

.715

20. I am able to communicate messages effectively in writing.

.742

Eigenvalue

7.763

1.300

1.216

0.941

Percent total variance

38.814

6.502

6.082

4.703