Self-Regulated Learning in Elementary School Students: Trends, Strategies, and Impact on Learning Outcomes

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58421/gehu.v5i3.1608

Authors

Keywords:

Self-Regulated Learning, Learning strategies, Learning outcomes, Academic achievement

Abstract

Self-regulated learning (SRL) has become an essential competency for elementary school students in the twenty-first century, particularly in supporting independent learning, academic achievement, and learning adaptability. This study aimed to systematically review research trends, instructional strategies, and the impact of SRL on learning outcomes among elementary school students. The study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach using the PRISMA framework. Articles were collected from Scopus-indexed published between 2016 and 2026. Bibliometric mapping was conducted using VOSviewer to analyze research trends. The search process identified 194 articles for trend analysis. Meanwhile, studies discussing instructional strategies and learning outcomes were selected using specific inclusion criteria emphasizing quantitative and experimental research designs. The findings revealed that SRL research in elementary education has developed into a multidimensional field closely associated with self-efficacy, motivation, feedback, online learning, goal setting, and academic achievement. The most commonly implemented strategies for developing SRL included metacognitive instruction, goal-setting activities, reflective learning, collaborative learning, self-assessment, gamification, and technology-assisted learning environments. In addition, the reviewed studies consistently demonstrated that SRL positively contributes to students’ academic achievement, learning motivation, problem-solving skills, and independent learning behaviors. Overall, this review highlights the importance of strengthening SRL through explicit instructional support and technology-enhanced learning environments to foster adaptive and independent learners in elementary education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

D. Akhmedjanova, “Role of self-regulated learning and self-efficacy in predicting academic results of elementary school students in Russia,” Educational Studies, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 271–291, 2026, doi: 10.1080/03055698.2025.2479605.

R. R. Aliyyah, Rasmitadila, G. Gunadi, A. Sutisnawati, and S. Febriantina, “Perceptions of elementary school teachers towards the implementation of the independent curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 154–164, 2023, doi: 10.20448/jeelr.v10i2.4490.

T. Alnafea and D. D. Curtis, “Influence of mothers’ parenting styles on self-regulated academic learning among Saudi primary school students,” Issues in Educational Research, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 399–416, 2017.

L. Anthonysamy, K. Ah Choo, and H. Soon Hin, “Investigating Self-Regulated Learning Strategies for Digital Learning Relevancy,” Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, vol. 18, 2021, doi: 10.32890/mjli2021.18.1.2.

A. Arvatz, B. Hadas, R. Waitzman, and Y. J. Dori, “Putting self-regulated learning and teaching into practice: Insights from two science teachers and their students,” Instructional Science, vol. 53, no. 5, pp. 973–1003, 2025, doi: 10.1007/s11251-025-09719-6.

B. Bai, B. Shen, and H. Mei, “Hong Kong primary students’ self-regulated writing strategy use: Influences of gender, writing proficiency, and grade level,” Studies in Educational Evaluation, vol. 65, Art. no. 100839, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.stueduc.2020.100839.

R. Bala, D. Sulisworo, and I. Maryani, “The Analysis of Self-Regulation Learning on Elementary Schools at the Rural Area in Indonesia,” Universal Journal of Educational Research, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 395–401, 2020, doi: 10.13189/ujer.2020.080209.

S. K. Banihashem, M. Bond, N. Bergdahl, H. Khosravi, and O. Noroozi, “A systematic mapping review at the intersection of artificial intelligence and self-regulated learning,” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 22, no. 1, p. 50, 2025, doi: 10.1186/s41239-025-00548-8.

N. S. Bayard, M. H. Van Loon, M. Steiner, and C. M. Roebers, “Developmental Improvements and Persisting Difficulties in Children’s Metacognitive Monitoring and Control Skills: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Perspectives,” Child Development, vol. 92, no. 3, pp. 1118–1136, 2021, doi: 10.1111/cdev.13486.

W.-L. Chang and J. C.-Y. Sun, “Evaluating AI’s impact on self-regulated language learning: A systematic review,” System, vol. 126, Art. no. 103484, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.system.2024.103484.

M. Chen and C. Feng, “Goal‐Setting and Self‐Explanation in Elementary Programming: A Self‐Regulated Learning Study,” Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, vol. 42, no. 1, Art. no. e70177, 2026, doi: 10.1002/jcal.70177.

S.-F. Chen, “Modeling the influences of upper-elementary school students’ digital reading literacy, socioeconomic factors, and self-regulated learning strategies,” Research in Science & Technological Education, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 330–348, 2017, doi: 10.1080/02635143.2017.1314958.

N. J. De Ruig, P. F. De Jong, and M. Zee, “Stimulating Elementary School Students’ Self-Regulated Learning Through High-Quality Interactions and Relationships: A Narrative Review,” Educational Psychology Review, vol. 35, no. 3, p. 71, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s10648-023-09795-5.

N. J. De Ruig, M. Zee, and P. F. De Jong, “Understanding the interplay between teacher self-efficacy, teacher–student interactions, and students’ self-regulated learning skills at different levels of classroom ecology,” Frontiers in Education, vol. 9, Art. no. 1392907, 2024, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1392907.

I. Di Leo and K. R. Muis, “Confused, now what? A Cognitive-Emotional Strategy Training (CEST) intervention for elementary students during mathematics problem solving,” Contemporary Educational Psychology, vol. 62, Art. no. 101879, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101879.

C. Dignath and M. V. J. Veenman, “The Role of Direct Strategy Instruction and Indirect Activation of Self-Regulated Learning—Evidence from Classroom Observation Studies,” Educational Psychology Review, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 489–533, 2021, doi: 10.1007/s10648-020-09534-0.

A. El-Adl and H. Alkharusi, “Relationships between self-regulated learning strategies, learning motivation and mathematics achievement,” Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 104–111, 2020, doi: 10.18844/cjes.v15i1.4461.

A. Fitria, B. Najihah, M. A. Paris, M. F. Atsnan, and M. L. Nareki, “Motivation, self-regulated learning, and their effects on learning outcomes of derivative materials during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 153–166, 2021, doi: 10.21831/jrpm.v8i2.42184.

Y. Gambo and M. Z. Shakir, “Review on self-regulated learning in smart learning environment,” Smart Learning Environments, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 12, 2021, doi: 10.1186/s40561-021-00157-8.

D. Gülmez and A. Ordu, “Back to the classroom: Teachers’ views on classroom management after Covid-19,” International Journal of Modern Education Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, doi: 10.51383/ijonmes.2022.197.

F. Han, “Sustainable Lifelong Learning Competence: Understanding University Students’ Self-Regulated Learning in Flipped Classrooms by Combining Questionnaire and Learning Analytics Data,” Sustainability, vol. 17, no. 21, Art. no. 9495, 2025, doi: 10.3390/su17219495.

S.-H. Jin, K. Im, M. Yoo, I. Roll, and K. Seo, “Supporting students’ self-regulated learning in online learning using artificial intelligence applications,” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 20, no. 1, p. 37, 2023, doi: 10.1186/s41239-023-00406-5.

J. Junaštíková, “Self-regulation of learning in the context of modern technology: A review of empirical studies,” Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 270–291, 2024, doi: 10.1108/ITSE-02-2023-0030.

Y. Karlen and S. Hertel, “Inspiring self-regulated learning in everyday classrooms: Teachers’ professional competences and promotion of self-regulated learning,” Unterrichtswissenschaft, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 1–13, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s42010-024-00196-3.

S.-C. Kong and B. Liu, “Supporting the Self-Regulated Learning of Primary School Students With a Performance-Based Assessment Platform for Programming Education,” Journal of Educational Computing Research, vol. 61, no. 5, pp. 977–1007, 2023, doi: 10.1177/07356331221143832.

S.-C. Kong and Y. Yang, “A Human-Centered Learning and Teaching Framework Using Generative Artificial Intelligence for Self-Regulated Learning Development Through Domain Knowledge Learning in K–12 Settings,” IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, vol. 17, pp. 1562–1573, 2024, doi: 10.1109/TLT.2024.3392830.

C. Liu, Z. Cui, and X. Weng, “Effects of a Self‐Regulated Cooperative Programming Approach on Elementary Students’ Programming Knowledge, Metacognitive Awareness, and Self‐Efficacy,” Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, vol. 42, no. 1, Art. no. e70167, 2026, doi: 10.1002/jcal.70167.

J. Liu, J. Gao, and M. H. Arshad, “Teacher-student relationships as a pathway to sustainable learning: Psychological insights on motivation and self-efficacy,” Acta Psychologica, vol. 254, Art. no. 104788, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104788.

Z.-M. Liu, G.-J. Hwang, C.-Q. Chen, X.-D. Chen, and X.-D. Ye, “Integrating large language models into EFL writing instruction: Effects on performance, self-regulated learning strategies, and motivation,” Computer Assisted Language Learning, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 466–490, 2026, doi: 10.1080/09588221.2024.2389923.

K. M. Losenno, K. R. Muis, B. Munzar, C. A. Denton, and N. E. Perry, “The dynamic roles of cognitive reappraisal and self-regulated learning during mathematics problem solving: A mixed methods investigation,” Contemporary Educational Psychology, vol. 61, Art. no. 101869, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101869.

M. Mejeh, L. Sarbach, and T. Hascher, “Effects of adaptive feedback through a digital tool – a mixed-methods study on the course of self-regulated learning,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 29, no. 14, pp. 1–43, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s10639-024-12510-8.

M. F. Montoya, B. Tornero, D. Palacios Farias, and F. J. Morrison, “Linking Self-Regulation Scaffolding to Early Math Achievement: Evidence from Chilean Preschools,” Education Sciences, vol. 15, no. 11, Art. no. 1426, 2025, doi: 10.3390/educsci15111426.

V. I. Morosanova, I. N. Bondarenko, and T. G. Fomina, “Conscious Self-regulation, Motivational Factors, and Personality Traits as Predictors of Students’ Academic Performance: A Linear Empirical Model,” Psychology in Russia: State of the Art, no. 4, pp. 170–187, 2022, doi: 10.11621/pir.2022.0411.

S. S. Mukhari and D. A. Sanders, “How School Closures Affected the Teaching and Learning of English During The COVID-19 Pandemic,” International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 112–119, 2023, doi: 10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.11n.1p.112.

D. T. K. Ng, C. W. Tan, and J. K. L. Leung, “Empowering student self‐regulated learning and science education through CHATGPT: A pioneering pilot study,” British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 55, no. 4, pp. 1328–1353, 2024, doi: 10.1111/bjet.13454.

M. A. Noriega Cortes and L. Carreño-Bolivar, “Virtual game-based learning environments to promote self-regulated learning skills in foreign language learners,” F1000Research, vol. 13, Art. no. 1541, 2024, doi: 10.12688/f1000research.157746.1.

M. J. Page, J. E. McKenzie, P. M. Bossuyt, I. Boutron, T. C. Hoffmann, C. D. Mulrow, L. Shamseer, J. M. Tetzlaff, E. A. Akl, S. E. Brennan, R. Chou, J. Glanville, J. M. Grimshaw, A. Hróbjartsson, M. M. Lalu, T. Li, E. W. Loder, E. Mayo-Wilson, S. McDonald, and D. Moher, “The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews,” Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, vol. 134, pp. 178–189, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.03.001.

A. Ragusa, J. González-Bernal, R. Trigueros, V. Caggiano, N. Navarro, L. A. Minguez-Minguez, A. I. Obregón, and C. Fernandez-Ortega, “Effects of academic self-regulation on procrastination, academic stress and anxiety, resilience and academic performance in a sample of Spanish secondary school students,” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 14, Art. no. 1073529, 2023, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1073529.

M. Raković, M. L. Bernacki, J. A. Greene, R. D. Plumley, K. A. Hogan, K. M. Gates, and A. T. Panter, “Examining the critical role of evaluation and adaptation in self-regulated learning,” Contemporary Educational Psychology, vol. 68, Art. no. 102027, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2021.102027.

K. Sharma, A. Nguyen, and Y. Hong, “Self‐regulation and shared regulation in collaborative learning in adaptive digital learning environments: A systematic review of empirical studies,” British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 55, no. 4, pp. 1398–1436, 2024, doi: 10.1111/bjet.13459.

L. S. Shing and M. R. M. Rameli, “The Influence of Self-Regulation towards Academic Achievement in English among Malaysian Upper Primary Students,” Universal Journal of Educational Research, vol. 8, no. 5A, pp. 1–11, 2020, doi: 10.13189/ujer.2020.081901.

M. Sinkkonen and A. Tapani, “Review of the Concept ‘Self-Regulated Learning’: Defined and Used in Different Educational Contexts,” International Journal on Social and Education Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 130–151, 2024, doi: 10.46328/ijonses.640.

P. Sins, R. De Leeuw, J. De Brouwer, and E. Vrieling-Teunter, “Promoting explicit instruction of strategies for self-regulated learning: Evaluating a teacher professional development program in primary education,” Metacognition and Learning, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 215–247, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s11409-023-09368-5.

I. Tammouch, S. Nouna, A. Elouafi, and A. Nouna, “A competitive learning approach to enhancing teacher effectiveness and student outcomes,” IAES International Journal of Artificial Intelligence, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 3647–3655, 2025, doi: 10.11591/ijai.v14.i5.pp3647-3655.

M. Tankari, “Examining the Effects of Self-Regulated Learning Skills on Digital Lifelong Learning Among Online Graduate Students,” International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature, vol. 10, no. 12, pp. 26–42, 2022, doi: 10.20431/2347-3134.1012003.

D. Taranto and M. T. Buchanan, “Sustaining Lifelong Learning: A Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Approach,” Discourse and Communication for Sustainable Education, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 5–15, 2020, doi: 10.2478/dcse-2020-0002.

J. Torrington, M. Bower, and E. C. Burns, “What self-regulation strategies do elementary students utilize while learning online?,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 1735–1762, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s10639-022-11244-9.

J. Torrington, M. Bower, and E. C. Burns, “Elementary students’ self-regulation in computer-based learning environments: How do self-report measures, observations and teacher rating relate to task performance?,” British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 231–258, 2024, doi: 10.1111/bjet.13338.

J. Torrington, M. Bower, and E. C. Burns, “How remote learning impacted elementary students’ online self-regulation for learning: A COVID-19 natural experiment,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 29, no. 10, pp. 12989–13023, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s10639-023-12352-w.

M. Van Loon and C. M. Roebers, “Development of metacognitive monitoring and control skills in elementary school: A latent profile approach,” Metacognition and Learning, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 1065–1089, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s11409-024-09400-2.

S. G. Vos, L. Wijnia, R. L. Martens, and R. H. M. De Groot, “How do distance learners self-regulate learning? A latent profile analysis of self-regulated learning and its relationship with self-regulatory efficacy, motivation, need satisfaction, need frustration, academic achievement, and well-being,” Learning and Individual Differences, vol. 120, Art. no. 102678, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.lindif.2025.102678.

Z. Xu, Y. Zhao, B. Zhang, J. Liew, and A. Kogut, “A meta-analysis of the efficacy of self-regulated learning interventions on academic achievement in online and blended environments in K-12 and higher education,” Behaviour & Information Technology, vol. 42, no. 16, pp. 2911–2931, 2023, doi: 10.1080/0144929X.2022.2151935.

Y. Zhao and Y. Zheng, “Effects of elaborative and metacognitive feedback on students’ science achievement, epistemological beliefs, and inquiry behaviors in simulation-based science inquiry learning,” Interactive Learning Environments, pp. 1–19, 2026, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2026.2638487.

J. Zhu and M. M. C. Mok, “Predicting primary students’ self-regulated learning by their prior achievement, interest, personal best goal orientation and teacher feedback,” Educational Psychology, vol. 38, no. 9, pp. 1106–1128, 2018, doi: 10.1080/01443410.2018.1497775.

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

[1]
M. Syarifah, P. E. Suarmika, N. Hidayat, M. Muslihati, and S. Faizah, “Self-Regulated Learning in Elementary School Students: Trends, Strategies, and Impact on Learning Outcomes”, J.Gen.Educ.Humanit., vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 4175–4190, Jun. 2026.

Issue

Section

Articles