An Interdisciplinary Review of Self-Regulation of Learning: Bridging Cognitive and Educational Psychology Perspectives

Understanding how students self-regulate their learning experiences has been at the forefront of many empirical and theoretical advances in both cognitive and educational psychology. Yet, these two fields have traditionally investigated this multifaceted aspect of learning using different approaches, resulting in scientific knowledge that is siloed in separate literatures. The overall aim of this theoretical synthesis and review is to bridge this divide and shed light on potential integrative perspectives and approaches. We compare the theoretical and methodological approaches that have been commonly adopted in these two fields. Next, we identify several factors that contribute to the divide between the two fields. Finally, we discuss three elements that are essential for integrating perspectives and developing a holistic understanding self-regulation of learning: awareness and understanding, innovation and expansion, and collaboration and interaction. Throughout the review, we highlighted how bridging the two divergent, yet complimentary perspectives could facilitate innovative research, extensive practical implications, and improved theory.