Individual Differences in Self-regulated Learning of College Students Enrolled in Online College Courses

ABSTRACT

With online course delivery on the rise, it is essential to understand the preparedness of students attending traditional universities. Prior research has found that some students struggle in online courses, which leads to a quest to better understand the reason why. Studies of self-regulated learning (SRL) in online and blended courses have added to our understanding. However, few studies have used a person-centered approach to study profiles of SRL in fully online courses, and none with a population of students attending a traditional university. This is of importance, especially at a time when traditional universities are increasingly providing online courses. To address the gaps in previous SRL profile research, the current study examined individual differences in SRL profiles of 477 students attending online courses at a traditional university setting, using the Online Self-regulated Learning Questionnaire (OSLQ). Using latent profile analysis, we found four different profiles, with a majority of the students falling in groups representing lower levels of SRL skills. We also explored the possible relationship of experience in online learning, online comfort, age, and gender with the identified self-regulated learning profiles. Relationships were found between the profiles and comfort level as well as with gender.

Acknowledgments

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.