In this article, we share 10 steps that when applied to an eLearning environment, leads to learner self-regulation.
Self-regulated learners are autonomous and independent. They take responsibility of their failures and successes. They are active in pursing challenges that build on their academic and performance strengths.
Fortunately, these qualities can be promoted and encouraged in an eLearning environment. Most adult learners are serious about their learning. They strive for personal growth and professional enrichment.
These 10 steps in offering assessments and feedback will promote self-regulation:
1. In your eLearning course, help clarify the criteria for good performance. Display the course goals, the standards and the roadmap to desirable performance very clearly. For example, before and after completing an assessment, explicitly remind learners what learning goal they are achieving. Request for their reflective feedback on acquiring this personal growth.
2. Discuss and promote the investment of learner time and effort in completing major assessments and projects. Learners should understand that regular study and group collaboration, both inside and outside of the eLearning platform will lead to deeper learning.
3. Spend time in developing comprehensive and personalized feedback that aids learners to self-correct.
4. Encourage positive motivational beliefs and self-esteem. Demonstrate the “before and after” picture of the successful learner to show how they have grown cognitively after completing your eLearning course.
5. Encourage three-way interaction: peer to peer, learner to trainer and trainer to peer-peer dialogue. Provide opportunities for frequent collaboration and discussion of ideas and perspectives.
6. Create tasks that lead to self-assessment (self-rating on performance) and reflection on learning. Comment on the self-assessment activities.
7. Provide multiple choices for assessment, developing content and implementing processes. Learners should feel they have a control over their eLearning activities.
8. Involve your eLearning group in the decision making about assessment policies and practice. Your eLearners should have a choice in determining the format and content to be included in their upcoming assessments.
9. Explicitly create learning communities by creating topic-based discussion boards. Award points for quality posts. Provide criteria that demonstrate quality posts. Recognize learners who create new ideas in these discussion boards.
10. Adapt your teaching strategies directly to the unique needs of the learners. This is something trainers and eLearning developers hear everyday. Learner-based training promotes learner self-regulation.
Self-regulation is a habit of mind and an attitude towards life. It is a highly appreciated value that can be supported by incorporating these 10 steps in your daily teaching strategies in an online environment.
Observe learner progress and provide regular comments privately. Help your learners understand the concept of self-regulation and how it adds value to their everyday life. And be sure to make use of your Learning and Talent Development platform‘s features to help them achieve it!
When learners begin to tie their actions with the self-regulation criteria, they begin to cherish and nurture these actions in a proactive manner. As a training manager, your goal is to create life-long learners through the habit of self-regulation.
