Which of the following statements about self-directed learners is true?

Self-directed learners are individuals who take the initiative and responsibility for their learning process. They possess the ability to set their own learning goals, select resources, and evaluate their progress independently. This characteristic allows them to navigate through educational materials and experiences effectively, making decisions that facilitate their understanding and knowledge acquisition. By guiding their own learning journey, self-directed learners can tailor their educational experiences to suit their personal interests and learning styles, which ultimately leads to deeper engagement and retention of information.

In contrast, the other options suggest a level of dependence on external structure and guidance that does not align with the defining characteristics of self-directed learning. Dependence on teachers for every aspect of learning, a need for structured environments, and a tendency to avoid taking initiative contradict the essence of self-directedness, which emphasizes autonomy and self-motivation.