why is self directed learning a problem?

today our teacher mr.larkin asked us the question Why do students struggle with self-directed learning? i think students have a hard time with this because they dont have enough motivation to do it themselves. when a teacher gives out a project some kids can do it right away with no problem, but others have a lot of struggle just to get the paper for it. i am one of those kids. if i have to do something by myself. i will do it the night before its due and finish at 12:00. if i always have someone on my case telling me to do it i will get it done. i think teachers will have an easier life getting people to do their work if they give them time in class to do it and they go around asking each kid how their doing and if they need any help.