Elementary students' self‐regulation in computer‐based learning environments: How do self‐report measures, observations and teacher rating relate to task performance?
Authors: Torrington Jodie , Bower Matt , Burns Emma C. 
Published: May 2023

It is well‐established that being a self‐regulated learner is beneficial academically, motivationally and is considered essential for productive life‐long learning. Despite this, there is limited evidence examining how different measures of self‐regulation for learning (SRL) relate to task performance for young students learning in digital contexts. This study investigated the relationships between different measures of SRL of elementary school students (N = 48, Mage = 10.75) while using a computer‐based learning environment, and their association with task performance and teacher rating of student SRL ability. Results confirmed the most effective measure of SRL, in terms of its relationship with, and predictability of task performance, was a self‐report written response, whereby students identified and explained known SRL strategies, such as how to plan, monitor or complete their work. Teacher ratings of their students' metacognitive capability were significantly correlated with task performance and with two self‐report instruments: the Junior Metacognitive Awareness Inventory and the SRL written response. Associations between actual observed self‐regulation behaviours in a computer‐based learning environment, using Azevedo et al.'s coding framework and how students self‐reported their knowledge and understanding about SRL, were weak. Observations of young students' SRL behaviours in computer‐based learning environments were not significantly related to task performance. Better understanding of these relationships will help educators and researchers to know where they should focus their attention in terms of developing elementary school students' self‐regulatory capabilities in digital contexts, as well as the reliability of self‐report measures of SRL as relative to observations of self‐regulation and task performance. Implications for teacher practice are also discussed.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Students need to use self‐regulation for learning (SRL) strategies in digital contexts.

Self‐regulation strategies need to be explicitly taught to students as they are not guaranteed to become automatically acquired.

Being a self‐regulated learner leads to improved academic performance, engagement and motivation.

What this paper adds

Empirical evidence addressing the associations and patterns between various measures of SRL for young students learning in digital environments.

Student self‐report explanations of known SRL strategies was the only significant predictor of student task performance.

Coding of young students' SRL behaviours in digital environments do not relate well to task performance.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Understanding the associations between young students' self‐report of SRL and how this relates to their actual SRL behaviour while using digital technology is critical to supporting student learning and success.

Learning to better articulate self‐regulation strategies may result in greater consciousness and application of self‐regulation strategies in digital contexts, which in turn could improve task performance.

Eliciting explanations from students about SRL strategies may be more informative and expedient than conducting and analysing individual observations in digital contexts, to determine the general self‐regulatory knowledge and understanding of young students.