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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Assessing the Multiple Dimensions of Engagement to Characterize Learning: A Neurophysiological Perspective
Published on: July 1, 2015
Uncovering the relationship between metacognitive ability and learning engagement using a moderated mediation model
Bowen Liu1, Wentao Zou1, Ying Peng1
1Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education, Central China Normal University, No. 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, China.
Scientific Reports
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Metacognitive ability directly boosts college students' learning engagement. Attention acts as a partial mediator, while learning adaptability strengthens the link between metacognitive ability and attention, enhancing overall engagement.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Learning engagement is vital for college students' academic success.
- The interplay between metacognitive ability, attention, and learning adaptability in relation to engagement is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct impact of metacognitive ability on learning engagement.
- To examine the mediating role of attention in this relationship.
- To explore the moderating influence of learning adaptability.
Main Methods:
- A moderated mediation model was employed.
- Data collected from 349 college students.
- Statistical analyses were performed to test the proposed model.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations were found among metacognitive ability, attention, learning adaptability, and learning engagement.
- Metacognitive ability showed a direct positive effect on learning engagement.
- Attention partially mediated the relationship between metacognitive ability and learning engagement.
- Learning adaptability moderated the effect of metacognitive ability on attention, enhancing it in highly adaptable students.
Conclusions:
- Metacognitive ability, attention, and learning adaptability are key factors influencing college students' learning engagement.
- The findings offer a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms driving learning engagement.
- Practical strategies can be developed to foster these cognitive and adaptive skills for improved educational outcomes.
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