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Hover to see how factors connect to Self-regulation. Then click connected factors to explore strategies related to multiple factors.
Self-regulation is the ability to alter and regulate our thoughts, behavioral responses, and emotions. Self-regulation is critical for achieving learning goals by helping adult learners manage their thoughts and behaviors.
Self-regulation includes directing behavioral responses and aligning them with goals and standards, such as social and academic expectations. Learners who can successfully self-regulate their behaviors accomplish this by monitoring and inhibiting their actions or impulses. It is important to note that the perception of appropriate behavior in learning environments may be dictated by dominant social norms in a culture and may not match learners' own cultural norms, attitudes, and beliefs.
Self-regulation can be broken down into three main components:
This type of self-discipline is a strong predictor of positive academic outcomes in adults who are typically in more self-directed instructional settings. These settings (e.g., online, college, community programs, workplace) may offer different levels of support or structure for learners. The strategies learners employ for studying may also vary by learning context; for example, workplace learning may benefit from being built into employees' individual development plans.
When annotating, learners engage deeply with a text and make their thinking visible while reading, which supports Foundational Reading Skills.
When adults can connect and communicate with authentic audiences about their interests and values, learning becomes more personally meaningful and relevant.
Adult learners can self-organize into groups called communities of practice to engage in longer-term examination of a topic to build deeper understanding.
Competency-based learning is self-paced, focused on mastery, and centered around demonstrating learning outcomes and skills rather than where or how they were attained.
When learners process and express information visually, they are activating more cognitive processes while Problem Solving.
Experiential learning is learning by doing, which may include self-directed learning activities.
Giving learners the opportunity to explain their thinking process aloud helps them to solidify their comprehension, and move knowledge into their Long-term Memory.
In an increasingly digital world, adults who struggle with using technology can benefit from direct instruction for an array of digital tools.
Research shows that, along with traditional reading comprehension strategies, learners use unique strategies to read the non-linear, hyperlinked structure of online texts.
Formative assessment is "assessment for learning" rather than "assessment of learning".
When adults are aware that learning involves effort, mistakes, reflection, and refinement of strategies, they are more resilient when they struggle.
Game-based learning is an active learning experience with clear objectives and measurable outcomes designed to be intrinsically game-like.
Setting overall goals with actionable steps for achievement can help learners feel more confident in their abilities and help minimize procrastination-related behaviors.
Visualizing how ideas fit together helps learners construct meaning and strengthens their recall.
Visual reading aids, such as handouts and online guides, help learners to maintain Attention and serve to support the learning process.
Immediate feedback can improve a learner's confidence, self-awareness and enthusiasm for learning, which leads to increased Motivation.
Adult learners benefit from knowing there is an instructor available to provide support as needed, especially during asynchronous learning.
Intentionally incorporating voice and choice into adult learning experiences is critical for making learning meaningful and relevant.
Giving learners the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills, and understanding with others strengthens learning and increases Motivation while also building Social Supports.
Mindfulness is a practice to create internal balance and a sense of being present in the moment.
For adults, the Composition process can become more robust when learners can express ideas through multiple media, which includes visual, audio, and digital production.
Instruction and training presented in multiple formats allows learners to activate different cognitive skills and Background Knowledge that are necessary to remember procedural and content information.