Learning Logs: A Tool for Coaching Students to Assess and Regulate Their Own Learning

Authors

Keywords:

self-regulated learning, reflective learning, self-assessment

Abstract

This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a novel assessment tool, called a Learning Log (LL), in a pharmacy curriculum. LLs were designed to provide the framework and guidance necessary for students to gain skills in self-regulated learning (SRL). The weekly LLs included student self-assessment of progress toward learning outcomes, reflection, planning with task-selection guidance, and targeted practice. Both perception and usage data confirm that LLs effectively train students to assess and regulate their own learning. Reflection comments show that SRL habits cultivated by LLs were useful in other coursework, improved student performance, and promoted time management skills.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

  • Laura M. Fox, Presbyterian College

    Laura M. Fox, Ph.D.

    Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences

    Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy

    Clinton, South Carolina 29325

References

Butler, D. L., & Brydges, R. (2013). Learning in the health professions: What does self-regulation have to do with it? Medical Education, 47(11), 1053-1057. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.12307

Chou, C., & Zou, N. (2020). An analysis of internal and external feedback in self-regulated learning activities mediated by self-regulated learning tools and open learner models. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00233-y

Cleary, T. J., Callan, G. L., & Zimmerman, B. J. (2012). Assessing self-regulation as a cyclical context-specific phenomenon: Overview and analysis of SRL microanalytic protocols. Education Research International, 2012, Article 428639. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/428639

Colthart, I., et al. (2008). The effectiveness of self-assessment on the identification of learner needs, learner activity, and impact on clinical practice: BEME Guide no. 10. Medical Teacher, 30(2), 124-145. https://doi.org/10.1080/01421590701881699

Davis, D. A., et al. (2006). Accuracy of physician self-assessment compared with observed measures of competence: A systematic review. JAMA, 296(9), 1094-1102. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.296.9.1094

Devore, S., Stuart, S., & Riall, A. (2008). Universal design for instruction: A matter of equitable access to learning. Journal of Excellence in College Teaching, 19(2-3), 87-106. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ894378

Diefes-Dux, H. A., & Cruz Castro, L. M. (2022). Reflection types and students' viewing of feedback in a first-year engineering course using standards-based grading. Journal of Engineering Education, 111(2), 283-307. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20452

Dill, W. (2018). Exploring students’ use of learning contracts in preparing for the national athletic training board certification examination (Doctoral dissertation, Lindenwood University). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Fung, C. Y., Abdulla, M. N. L. Y., & Hashim, S. (2019). Improving self-regulated learning through personalized weekly e-learning journals: A time series quasi-experimental study. e-Journal of Business Education & Scholarship of Teaching, 13(1), 30-45. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1239150

Gandomkar, R., & Sandars, J. (2018). Clearing the confusion about self-directed learning and self-regulated learning. Medical Teacher, 40(8), 862-863. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2018.1425382

Howitz, W. J., McKnelly, J. K., & Link, R. D. (2021). Developing and implementing a specifications grading system in an organic chemistry laboratory course. Journal of Chemical Education, 98(2), 385-394. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00450

Khiat, H., & Vogel, S. (2022). A self-regulated learning management system: Enhancing performance, motivation, and reflection in learning. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 19(2), 43-59. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.19.2.4

Kicken, W., Brand-Gruwel, S., & van Merrienboer, J. J. G. (2008). Scaffolding advice on task selection: A safe path toward self-directed learning in on-demand education. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 60(3), 223-239. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820802305561

Kostons, D., van Gog, T., & Paas, F. (2012). Training self-assessment and task-selection skills: A cognitive approach to improving self-regulated learning. Learning and Instruction, 22(2), 121-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2011.08.004

Kusurkar, R. A., Croiset, G., & Cate, T. J. T. (2011). Twelve tips to stimulate intrinsic motivation in students through autonomy-supportive classroom teaching derived from self-determination theory. Medical Teacher, 33(12), 978-982. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159x.2011.599896

Linkous, H. M. (2020, October 27-30). Self-directed learning and self-regulated learning: What's the difference? A literature analysis. Presented at the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Conference Online. ERIC. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED611648

Lucieer, S. M., et al. (2016). Self-regulated learning and academic performance in medical education. Medical Teacher, 38(6), 585-593. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159x.2015.1073240

Neufeld, A., & Malin, G. (2020). How medical students’ perceptions of instructor autonomy-support mediate their motivation and psychological well-being. Medical Teacher, 42(6), 650-656. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2020.1726308

Nilson, L. B. (2013). Creating self-regulated learners: Strategies to strengthen students' self-awareness and learning skills. Stylus Publishing.

Nilson, L. B. (2015). Specifications grading: Restoring rigor, motivating students, and saving faculty time. Stylus Publishing.

Norton, M. N., et al. (2020). Students and faculty perceptions of standards-based grading for clinical education. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 16(1), 16-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2020.08.002

Pate, A., et al. (2019). The use of exam wrappers to promote metacognition. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 11(4), 492-498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2019.02.008

Pope, L., Parker, H. B., & Ultsch, S. (2020). Assessment of specifications grading in an undergraduate dietetics course. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 52(5), 439-446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2019.07.017

Robinson, J. D., & Persky, A. M. (2020). Developing self-directed learners. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 84(3), Article 847512. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe847512

Saks, K., & Leijen, A. (2014). Distinguishing self-directed and self-regulated learning and measuring them in the e-learning context. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 112, 190-198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.1155

Sandars, J., & Cleary, T. J. (2011). Self-regulation theory: Applications to medical education: AMEE Guide No. 58. Medical Teacher, 33(11), 875-886. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159x.2011.595434

Sein, A., et al. (2021). Twelve tips for embedding assessment for and as learning practices in a programmatic assessment system. Medical Teacher, 43(3), 300-306. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2020.1789081

Sethares, K. A., & Asselin, M. E. (2021). Use of exam wrapper metacognitive strategy to promote student self-assessment of learning. Nurse Educator, 47(1), 37-41. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001026

Smith, B. A., Metzger, K., & Soneral, P. (2019). Investigating introductory nonmajor biology students' self-regulated learning strategies through the implementation of a reflective-routine. Journal of College Science Teaching, 48(6), 66-76. https://doi.org/10.2505/4/jcst19_048_06_66

Thomas, L., Bennett, S., & Lockyer, L. (2016). Using concept maps and goal-setting to support the development of self-regulated learning in a problem-based learning curriculum. Medical Teacher, 38(9), 930-935. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159x.2015.1132408

van Schaik, S., Plant, J., & O'Sullivan, P. (2013). Promoting self-directed learning through portfolios in undergraduate medical education: The mentors’ perspective. Medical Teacher, 35(2), 139-144. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159x.2012.733832

White, C. B., & Fantone, J. C. (2010). Pass-fail grading: Laying the foundation for self-regulated learning. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 15(4), 469-477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-009-9211-1

Yan, Z. (2020). Self-assessment in the process of self-regulated learning and its relationship with academic achievement. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 45(2), 224-238. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2019.1629390

Yoon, M., Hill, J., & Kim, D. (2021). Designing supports for promoting self-regulated learning in the flipped classroom. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 33(2), 398-418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-021-09269-z

Zheng, B., Ward, A., & Stanulis, R. (2020). Self-regulated learning in a competency-based and flipped learning environment: Learning strategies across achievement levels and years. Medical Education Online, 25(1), 1686949. https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2019.1686949

Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64-70. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2

Published

2026-01-05

Data Availability Statement

At this time, I have not made the research data publicly available.

Issue

Section

Articles

Categories

How to Cite

Learning Logs: A Tool for Coaching Students to Assess and Regulate Their Own Learning. (2026). Journal on Excellence in College Teaching. https://celt.miamioh.edu/index.php/JECT/article/view/1211