What is self-regulated learning?
Similar to lifelong learning, which encompasses a wide range of generally applicable knowledge and skills, self-regulated learning simply means that students engage in learning strategies that help them to take charge of their own academic learning. For example, the problem-solving skills that students acquire in independent science research are also useful in other academic areas. Self-regulated learners not only engage in sophisticated learning strategies (e.g., planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, and self-evaluation), but they are also aware of the relative effectiveness of learning strategies for different situations (Zimmerman, 1990). Howard, McGee, Shia, and Hong (2000) identified five learning strategies that self-regulated learners use in a problem-solving context: (1) Problem representation. They seek to understand the nature of a research question before proceeding with an investigation. (2) Knowledge of cognition. They are aware of the mental operations required to
