From Perception to Participation: Self-Regulated Learning as a Pathway to Student Engagement
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between students’ perceptions and student engagement, with self-regulated learning as a mediating pathway. A quantitative correlational design was employed with 312 students. Data were collected using validated questionnaires measuring students’ perceptions, self-regulated learning, and student engagement. Reliability analysis indicated satisfactory internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.81 to 0.89. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that students perceptions significantly influenced student engagement (β = 0.41, p < 0.001) and self-regulated learning (β = 0.53, p < 0.001). Self-regulated learning also significantly and positively influenced student engagement (β = 0.47, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis indicated that self-regulated learning partially mediated the relationship between students’ perceptions and engagement (β = 0.25, p < 0.01). The structural model demonstrated good fit (CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.05) and explained 62% of the variance in student engagement. These findings suggest that positive learning perceptions can strengthen student engagement through self-regulated learning. The study highlights the importance of instructional strategies that foster positive perceptions and develop students’ self-regulation to promote active and sustained participation in learning.
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