Journal Article

A Questionnaire-Based Validation of Multidimensional Models of Self-Regulated Learning Strategies

ZHANG, LAWRENCE JUN, TENG, LIN SOPHIE

2016

Overview

This study aimed to validate a newly-developed instrument, The Writing Strategies for Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Questionnaire, with respect to its multifaceted structure of SRL strategies in English as a foreign language (EFL) writing. A total of 790 undergraduate students from 6 universities in Northeast China volunteered to be participants. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) through structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to evaluate 3 hypothesized models. The results of the CFA validated a 9-factor correlated model of second language (L2) writing strategies for SRL with satisfactory psychometric characteristics. Model comparisons confirmed a hierarchical, multidimensional structure of SRL as the best model, in which self-regulation, as a higher order construct, accounted for the correlations of the 9 lower-order writing strategies, pertaining to cognitive, metacognitive, social-behavioral, and motivational regulation aspects. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 6 out of 9 SRL strategies had significant predictive effects on EFL writing proficiency. The empirical evidence lends preliminary support to a transfer of SRL theory from educational psychology to the field of L2/EFL education, particularly L2/EFL writing. Implications of these findings are discussed. (Verlag).

• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Ltd,Wiley Subscription Services, Inc,Wiley-Blackwell
• Subject: Academic learning / Asians / Chinese university learners / Cognition / Cognitive-behavioral factors / College students / Competence / Confirmatory factor analysis / Correlation / Educational Psychology / Empirische Forschung / Englischunterricht / English (Second Language) / English as a second language / English as a second language learning / English language / English proficiency / Factor Analysis / Foreign Countries / Foreign languages / Fremdsprachenunterricht / Hochschule / language learning strategies (LLSs) / Language Proficiency / Learning Motivation / Learning strategies / Lernmethode / Metacognition / Motivation / Motivation research / multidimensional models of SRL / Multiple Regression Analysis / Polls & surveys / Psychological theories / Psychometrics / questionnaire validation / Questionnaires / Regression analysis / Regulation / Second Language Instruction / Second Language Learning / Second language writing / Selbsttätigkeit / Self control / Self instruction / Self regulation / self-regulated learning (SRL) / Social factors / Statistical analysis / Strategies / Structural equation modeling / Structural Equation Models / Undergraduate Students / Writing / Writing (Composition) / Writing assignments / Writing instruction / Writing processes / Writing Strategies / writing strategies for SRL