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Learning Strategies, Study Skills, and Self-Regulated Learning in Postsecondary Education

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Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research

Part of the book series: Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research ((HATR,volume 28))

Abstract

Interest in learning strategies and study tactics seems at all-time high. In this chapter, approaches to studying are conceptualized as self-regulated learning whereby learners survey tasks, generate goals and devise plans for studying, study and make on-the-spot adaptations, and may substantially renovate studying methods. Relative to this framework, the content of books describing learning strategies is examined, methods used to research learners’ approaches to studying are analyzed, and results of studies investigating the effects of learning strategies/study tactics are summarized. Shortcomings of research methodologies may account for overall modest and rather variable findings about the benefits of learning strategies/study tactics. Also, factors are identified that may hinder learners’ uptake and productive use of learning strategies/study tactics. A plan is proposed for improving and accelerating research on learning strategies. It involves learners as colleagues in personalized programs of research that, in the aggregate, advance learning science.

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Acknowledgment

Alissa Bick Ehrenkranz provided significant assistance in identifying and analyzing source materials for this chapter. Support for this work was provided by grants to Philip H. Winne from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (410-2011-0727), the Canada Research Chair Program, and Simon Fraser University.

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Correspondence to Philip H. Winne Ph.D. .

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Winne, P.H. (2013). Learning Strategies, Study Skills, and Self-Regulated Learning in Postsecondary Education. In: Paulsen, M. (eds) Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research. Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research, vol 28. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5836-0_8

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