How do students self-regulate? Review of Zimmerman"s cyclical model of self-regulated learning

The use of learning strategies is crucial for students" academic performance and promoting deeper learning approaches. The self-regulated learning models offer comprehensive theoretical backgrounds. These ena- ble more holistic approaches to the use of learning strategies. In this paper, Zimmerman"s (2000; 2003; Zimmerman & Moylan, 2009) cyclical model of self-regulated learning is described and analysed as one of the most com- prehensive. The model is grounded in social cognitive theory and is com- prised of three phases (forethought, performance and self-reflection) with a special focus on the influences of motivation on self-regulation. The differ- ent processes included in the model are analysed here in detail. Zimmer- man"s framework is considered in relation to other self-regulated learning models in order to recognize its importance in theory and practice.