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Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
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The relationship between executive functioning and self-regulated learning in Australian children.
Helen Davis1, Debora Similieana Valcan1, Deborah Pino-Pasternak2
1Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.
The British Journal of Developmental Psychology
|July 9, 2021
Summary
Executive functioning (EF) predicts self-regulated learning (SRL) in early childhood, supporting theories that EF development enables SRL. However, the data also strongly supports a common underlying factor for both constructs.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Educational psychology
- Cognitive science
Background:
- Executive functioning (EF) and self-regulated learning (SRL) are key predictors of academic success.
- The theoretical link suggesting EF development enables SRL in early childhood requires empirical validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between EF and SRL in Australian children transitioning from kindergarten to Year 1.
- To determine the directionality and strength of the association between EF and SRL.
- To compare directional models and test if EF and SRL represent a common factor.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 176 children from kindergarten to Year 1.
- EF assessed via tasks measuring working memory, inhibition, and shifting.
- SRL assessed by teachers using the Checklist of Independent Learning Development.
- Cross-lagged structural equation modeling used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Executive functioning (EF) significantly predicted self-regulated learning (SRL) one year later (β = .58).
- Self-regulated learning (SRL) did not predict executive functioning (EF) longitudinally.
- A common factor model, suggesting EF and SRL are manifestations of the same construct, also provided a strong fit to the data.
Conclusions:
- EF and SRL are concurrently and longitudinally related in early childhood.
- Evidence supports EF as a potential antecedent to SRL development.
- Further research is needed to clarify whether EF uniquely drives SRL or if they reflect a shared underlying construct.
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