Learning self-regulation as a predictor of academic self-efficacy in Ecuadorian undergraduate students

Abstract

Self-regulated learning (SRL) and academic self-efficacy (ASE) both fall within social cognitive and learning theory and play a key role in the educational context. The aim of this study was to identify the explanatory potential of SRL and ASE among a group of university students in Ecuador. A quantitative, descriptive and explanatory methodology was applied using structural equation modelling (SEM). The sample consisted of 570 students from two public universities in Ecuador of which 76 % were female and 24 % were male ranging from 17 to 56 years old (M = 25.29) The results reflected that there was a moderate positive correlation between SRL and ASE. Furthermore, there were no significant differences by gender (p > .05) for both attributes. SRL explained 23.8 % of ASE's variance changes at the influence level using SEM techniques. Therefore, it was concluded that SRL is a moderate ASE predictor in Ecuadorian university students.