This study explores the effectiveness of the Small Private Online Course (SPOC) model in enhancing self-directed learning (SDL) in political courses at Fuzhou Software Vocational and Technical College. The research objectives were 1) to investigate the effect of the SPOC teaching model in enhancing students' selfdirected learning abilities in political courses at Fuzhou Software Vocational and Technical College, 2) to investigate the SPOC teaching model implementation in political courses and analyze its impact on students' selfdirected learning abilities, and 3) to explore students' perspectives towards the SPOC teaching model in promoting their self-directed learning abilities in political courses. A quantitative research design assessed changes in students' SDL skills and academic performance before and after SPOC implementation. Findings reveal that SPOC significantly improves SDL skills, enabling students to manage their learning better, develop critical thinking, and achieve higher academic outcomes. This research contributes to understanding online and self-directed learning by introducing a novel application of SPOC in vocational education. It also highlights innovative teaching methods and assessment strategies that enhance the effectiveness of SDL in political courses. The study offers practical implications for educators and policymakers, emphasizing SPOC's potential as a transformative tool in digital-era education. Further exploration of SPOC's application across different educational systems could offer valuable insights into the impact of cultural, infrastructural, and pedagogical factors, guiding the refinement of implementation strategies and promoting best practices globally.