Invariant and suboptimal trajectories of self-regulated learning during secondary school: implications focused on quality in higher education

It has been shown that self-regulation of learning is a key variable for an adequate transition and adjustment from secondary school to tertiary education, and it is also associated with successful academic results; therefore, it is relevant to analyze its levels of development in the pre-university stage. The aim of this research was to evaluate the trajectories of self-regulation of learning in secondary school students. The method considered a longitudinal design and included a sample of 403 students from 9(th) to 12(th) grade in Chile. An instrument with adequate psychometric properties was used to measure the learning self-regulation process (disposition, performance and self-evaluation phases). The results showed that self-regulation is at suboptimal levels in its different phases (M = 4.25 to M = 4.71). Linear mixed models showed: a significant effect of sex on the disposition variable in favor of females; and that the phases of disposition, performance and self-evaluation do not change over time. It is concluded that, if self-regulation of learning is not specifically trained, it does not increase during secondary school. The findings are discussed considering the possible practical implications for educational policies, research, timely intervention and impact on the quality of school and university education.