Assessing Self-Regulated Learning Using Diary Measures with University Students

Diaries have been found to be a useful tool to facilitate students’ self-regulated learning. They are an effective method to measure self-regulation processes as well as to infl uence self-regulation in a desired direction. More specifi cally, diaries can foster self-monitoring, which is a central part of successful self-regulated learning (e.g., Zimmerman & Paulsen, 1995). Compared to informal self-monitoring, which includes spontaneous refl ection or casual observation, formal selfmonitoring involves systematic observation and keeping a record of one’s daily life processes (e.g., written logs, protocols, diaries, Zimmerman & Paulsen, 1995).