The Development of Self- Regulation: Do Parents make a difference? Rachelle Tomac Research Development Portfolio Presentation CEP 900 Fall 2005 Dr. David Wong

Research Question: Do Children learn to be self-regulated learners thorough interactions with parents? Do Children learn to be self-regulated learners thorough interactions with parents? Why is this important to me as a School Psychologist? Why is this important to me as a School Psychologist? –Self-regulated learner: a student who is motivated to perform well, set realistic goals, use effective strategies, self-monitor, and able to adjust strategy use as necessary –A self-regulated learner is a good student, and if the child in not a good student we strive to teach him/her these skills

Major Views of Self- Regulation: Social-Cognitive View Social-Cognitive View Self-Determination Theory: Self-Determination Theory: Support verses Control

Social-Cognitive Model of the development of self- regulation (Zimmerman) The child The child –observes a model performing a behavior of interest –Emulates the model’s performance –Uses self-control as he/she independently attempts the model’s learning techniques –Self-regulates the use of the technique across new situations based on how well it worked Research says that “adults/parents can initiate children’s development of self- regulative behaviors” Research says that “adults/parents can initiate children’s development of self- regulative behaviors”

Social-Cognitive View in use: Zimmerman developed the “Self- Regulation Empowerment Program” Zimmerman developed the “Self- Regulation Empowerment Program” 3 Steps: 3 Steps: –Empowerment –Study/Learning Strategies –Cyclical Feedback Loop Forethought, performance control, and self reflection Forethought, performance control, and self reflection

Self-Determination Theory Deci, Ryan, Eccles, Grolnick Individuals have innate needs for: Individuals have innate needs for: –Autonomy –Competence –Relatedness Motivation to meet these needs is on a continuum from extrinsic to intrinsic Motivation to meet these needs is on a continuum from extrinsic to intrinsic –External Regulation: behaves in a way to obtain a reward or avoid punishment –Integrated Regulation: becomes involved in an activity because of the sheer pleasure experienced from the task itself (improving the quality of the action and sense of well-being)

How do these theories help me to develop my research? My Research: My Research: –Dr. Evelyn Oka collected the data –Parent-Child Interactions video-recorded –Use theory and literature to develop a way to analyze the data Goal: to correlate qualities of the parent-child interaction to the child’s level of self- regulation Goal: to correlate qualities of the parent-child interaction to the child’s level of self- regulation

Coding the Parent-Child Interactions What is important: What is important: –Directiveness (V or NV) –Non-directiveness (V or NV) –Affect –Engagement (motivational behaviors) –Autonomy/self-esteem (motivational beliefs) –Synchrony

Coded interviews: What I expect to see Interactions of highly self-regulated children and parent will display: Interactions of highly self-regulated children and parent will display: –More positive affect –Higher degree of synchrony (appropriateness and responsiveness) –More consistent use of non-directive instructional styles

Why is this important, what do I have to add to the literature? Synchrony over time is more important and accurate than the dual categories of ‘control’ vs ‘support’. Synchrony over time is more important and accurate than the dual categories of ‘control’ vs ‘support’. Better understanding of qualities that lead to self-regulation Better understanding of qualities that lead to self-regulation –In a diverse population –Serve as the basis for developing both school and family based intervention/prevention programs in self-regulation

Future Directions for my Research: Longitudinal Study Longitudinal Study –Participants would be yrs old –Motivational Scales / Levels of Self- Regulation and Autonomy –Autonomy=Satisfaction? Is this a vital skill to satisfaction not only throughout school, but in life? Is this a vital skill to satisfaction not only throughout school, but in life?

Questions? Thank You