Effective self-regulatory processes in higher education: research findings and future directions. A systematic review

Abstract

Although self-regulated learning (SRL) is assumed to benefit learning outcomes, gaps in the literature make it difficult to describe what constitutes effective SRL in higher education. That is, SRL that relates positively to learning outcomes. In accordance, at present it is unclear how to train effective SRL in higher education. The current systematic review breaks down SRL into self-regulatory processes (SRPs) and reviews the evidence for teaching adolescents effective SRPs. Of the wide variety of SRPs which are known in the field, the following were investigated in the studies: metacognitive strategies, motivation, self-efficacy, handling task difficulty and demands, and resource management. The studies included (k = 10; N = 906) generally affirmed that all SRL interventions that were investigated related positively to SRPs. These SRPs also related positively to learning outcomes. Research is needed to advance the field's understanding of how adolescents develop the wide array of effective SRPs.

Keywords:

• self-regulatory processes
• self-regulatory constructs
• self-regulated learning
• learning outcomes
• systematic review
• higher education