Training of self-regulated learning skills on a social network system

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether self-regulated learning (SRL) skills trained using a social network system (SNS) may be generalized outside the training session. A total of 29 undergraduate students participated in the study. During the training session, students in the experimental group were trained to practice self-regulative thinking skills while using Twitter, an SNS. Students in the control group did not receive a training of SRL skills and simply used Twitter as it was. After the training session, students in both groups worked on their class projects and used Twitter where students interacted with each other. Using a content analysis, student posts or “tweets” on Twitter were analyzed. Students in the experimental group used significantly more SRL skills such as planning and reflecting than those in the control group. Also, students’ metacognitive awareness in the experimental group improved significantly after the training of SRL skills. The implications of the study are herein discussed.