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Self-regulating academic learning and achievement: The emergence of a social cognitive perspective

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Abstract

For three decades, social cognitive researchers have studied children's development of self-regulation as an achievement of socialization processes. I recount historically the emergence of a social cognitive perspective on self-regulation and identify its unique features. Two essential characteristics of students' self-regulated academic learning have been identified — their use of strategies and perceptions of self-efficacy. A social cognitive model of academic self-regulated learning is proposed that integrates triadic determinants of self-regulated learning (personal, behavioral, and environmental) on the basis of a strategic control loop. When students monitor their responding and attribute outcomes to their strategies, their learning becomes self-regulated, and they display increased self-efficacy, greater intrinsic motivation, and higher academic achievement.

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Zimmerman, B.J. Self-regulating academic learning and achievement: The emergence of a social cognitive perspective. Educ Psychol Rev 2, 173–201 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01322178

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