Discussion: Self-Regulation, Metacognitive Learning and Cooperative Learning

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, please read “Learning Strategies” (pp. 137-143), “Technology and Learning” (pp. 144-153), “Learning as Inquiry” (pp. 154-159), and “Cooperative Learning” (pp.160-166) in your required text. Review the information from The Critical Thinking Community.

Play the expert in the following scenario and apply ethical principles and professional standards of learning and cognition psychology to your rationale:

You are a computer software training instructor for a large corporation that designs bicycles. You have a group of new trainees who must learn your company’s design software system. List two areas of the learning environment that might be problematic to your training if you implement a fully online/asynchronous training program. What two strategies could you use to assist your learners/trainees with this protocol of learning based on your two noted areas? Based on the course content and the knowledge you have gained in this course so far, what mode of learning environment would you suggest for your group of new trainees? Support your reasoning with empirical evidence.

Using appropriate citations and references, explain how the empirical findings presented in the assigned articles suggest the importance of applying self-regulation and metacognitive strategies to one’s own learning. Describe the purpose of learner assessments and how self-regulation positively affects the outcomes. Does self-regulation need to be applied differently in virtual learning environments than in traditional classrooms? What problems may occur for learners who have not developed self-regulation in asynchronous learning or training environments? What do your articles suggest the pros and cons are of cooperative learning or training? Based on your own experiences, do you agree or disagree with the suggestion that cooperative environments are beneficial? If so, why? If not, what could have been done differently in your example based on the empirical findings within your resources? Support your argument with empirical research.

When implementing an online learning program, self-regulation and assessment can be problematic. The trainees undertaking online courses may not learn effectively if they lack self-regulation. For instance, they could procrastinate assignments and completion of reading materials. Similarly, it may be challenging to assess or evaluate the trainees, since they may not complete the tests and assessments.  In order to facilitate learning, I would initiate individualized connections with the online learning process, by discussing with them regarding their concerns, and giving timely feedback. I would also design frequent, tailored assessments, which would help in determining how effective the training has been.

Word Count: 300