What do we mean by “self-regulated learning”?
Self-regulated learning motivates learners to work at their own pace. They can take classes autonomously. This independence navigating the learning process encourages participants to work whenever they are in the mood and their schedule permits it.
This method of working is now popular with businesses, whether to promote education or to enhance cognitive performance.
Key features of self-regulated learning: relevant and strategic activities
According to Barry Zimmerman, a humanities researcher, self-regulated learning is suitable for self-aware, self-motivated learners unfazed by the idea of studying alone. The aim is to transform participants’ mental capacity into academic capabilities.
With self-regulated learning now a reality, teachers and trainers have developed a thorough understanding of its mechanisms.
Learners go through three steps:
- Plan: Define the goals and objectives of the training as a means of projecting
- Do: Compare the results obtained after completing a particular task or lesson
- Think: Analyze the course and its constituent lessons; self-assessment is an essential criterion in this process. Learners are encouraged to list the principles and concepts learned during the self-regulated training course.
Self-assessment by participants is a necessary part of the self-regulated learning process; a critical eye is essential in order to understand whether or not the work done is adequate.
Pros and cons of this approach
Considering the many learning and teaching methods available, you may be undecided about the type of training you want to take. The important thing is to look at the success rates and the main skill that you are want to develop.
Self-regulated learning offers many benefits for your professional and private life:
- Study at your own pace: There is no pressure regarding the course end date. Learners are free to work at their own pace, without comparing themselves with other participants. In this context, everyone progresses to the extent of their abilities, with no need to pretend to have understood or mastered the subject.
- Effective learning: According to a study published in the Journal of Memory and Language, self-regulated learning promotes memorization. Learners retain more information with this approach.
- Fits any schedule: Unlike in traditional academic contexts, participants are free to work whenever they want. This self-regulated learning is not subject to the time constraints applicable to live or face-to-face training. You can organize your learning however you like, based on your chosen end date and goals.
- Fewer distractions: This organizational and scheduling freedom allows learners to train when the circumstances are conducive.
- Suitable for all profiles: Learning times will vary according to the individual’s skills and personality.
- Easy to implement by companies
This format does have a few drawbacks, however:
- To succeed, learners must be self-motivated; a lack of motivation can undermine the benefits of self-regulated learning
- Learners need to be self-disciplined and able to avoid sources of distractions, such as phones or the TV
Self-regulated learning is an effective approach for self-starting, independent learners wishing to round out their eduction and boost their team’s cognitive functions.
Ideal for employees, it is easily implemented by companies interested in developing their employees’ skills in line with their forward-looking strategies.
