Valerie Martinez

Dr. Cleveland Hayes

EDUC 390
Weekly Article Analysis: Self-Regulated Learning
Class 2, September 8, 2015
The central idea of the review article, Self-Directed Learning in Problem-Based
Learning and its Relationships with Self-Regulated Learning, written by Sofie M. M. Loyens,
Joshua Magda, and Remy M. J. P. Rikers, seeks not only to convey the correlation between selfdirected learning (SDL) in regards to problem-based learning (PBL), but also the link between
SDL and self-regulated learning (SRL). The authors argue that although SDL and SRL may
appear to be very similar from one another, in reality SDL is much more broader and ultimately,
SRL seems more concerned with the subsequent steps in the learning process such as learning
goals and strategies, while SDL clearly provides a crucial role for the learner at the outset of the
learning task.1
The authors of this article are able to argue their viewpoint by first defining and giving a brief
history of problem-based learning, self-directed learning, and self-regulated learning. This
background information of where these terms derived from gives insight into how each can and
has been expressed by students throughout their educational experiences. Secondly, the authors
provide examples of what SDL and SRL may look like within/without the classroom, which
aides in the comparison between the two in regards to PBL. SDL is split into four classifying
dimensions which are, personal autonomy, self-management in learning, the independent pursuit
of learning, and the learner control of instruction. Likewise SDL is also split within four
dimensions; active engagement in ones learning process, making use of standards to direct
learning and set goals, goal-directed learning behavior, and finally mediating variable between
variables on the personal or situational level and achievement. The conclusion the authors are
able to make through their research is that SDL can encompass SRL, but not vice versa because
while SDL is focused on the concepts as design features of the learning environment, SRL is
focused more specifically on learner characteristics.
Along with the central idea the authors were able to prove with their research, I was also
taken by the insight I was able to gather and will be keeping in mind when doing my observation
hours and for the future. Some of the insight that I gathered was how and why PBL arose and
how it changed the classroom and teaching forever, the important of how students control over
their learning can have such a significant impact on their education, and how students
characteristics/actions are equally as important in their success if they take the extra steps in their
education. As a teacher I can only do so much and my main job will be to keep my students
1 Loyens, Sofie M. M., Magda, Joshua, Rikers, Remy M. J. P. (2008). Review Article [Electronic
version]. Self-Directed Learning in Problem-Based Learning and its Relationships with SelfRegulated Learning.

engaged and motivated, but what I will be specifically taking away from this article is that it is
really up to the self that leads to life-long learning for my future students.