Self-regulated learning (SRL) is primarily measured using aptitude measures that assess a student's attributes and typical behaviors (Zimmerman, 2008). These measures often involve self-report questionnaires to understand a learner's strategies and motivations.
Methods to Measure Self-Regulated Learning
Here's a breakdown of how SRL is typically measured, based on the provided reference:
Aptitude Measures
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Definition: These methods focus on identifying consistent patterns in a student's learning approach. They look at what a student typically does rather than focusing on a single learning task.
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Tools: The most common tool for measuring SRL through aptitude measures are questionnaires. These are designed to capture a broad spectrum of self-regulatory behaviors.
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Examples: A prominent example of such a questionnaire is the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) (Pintrich et al., 1991). The MSLQ examines various factors, including:
- Motivation: A learner's goals, values, and beliefs about their ability to succeed.
- Learning Strategies: Specific tactics employed for studying, note-taking, and information processing.
Key Aspects Assessed in Self-Regulated Learning
These tools help measure essential aspects of SRL:
- Goal Setting: How well a student sets realistic learning targets.
- Planning: How effectively a student organizes their study time and resources.
- Monitoring: How carefully a student tracks their progress and understanding.
- Self-Evaluation: How accurately a student assesses their performance and identifies areas for improvement.
- Strategy Use: What types of learning techniques a student chooses and how they use them.
- Motivation: A learner's willingness to exert effort and persist in learning.
Practical Application of Aptitude Measures
- Administering Questionnaires: Educators often distribute instruments like the MSLQ to students.
- Data Collection: The responses from these questionnaires provide insights into individual student's self-regulated learning strategies.
- Analysis: The data is then analyzed to determine areas where students are strong or may need additional support in developing their self-regulation.
- Intervention: Based on the analysis, educators can tailor interventions and instruction to help students improve their self-regulated learning skills.
Summary
In summary, measuring self-regulated learning relies significantly on aptitude measures, especially through self-report questionnaires like the MSLQ. These measures provide valuable insights into a student's learning attributes and typical behaviors.
