Iranian Journal of Learning and Memory

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to examine whether metacognition mediates the relationship between self-regulated learning strategies and problem-solving skills among upper-secondary students in Khorramabad. Self-regulated learning and problem-solving are recognized as essential for academic achievement, yet many students have not fully developed effective strategies in these areas.
Method: A descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling was employed. The sample consisted of 384 secondary school students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the Self-Regulated Learning Strategies Questionnaire, the Problem-Solving Inventory, and the Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire—Adolescent Version. Reliability and validity of the instruments were confirmed prior to analysis. The study tested the direct effect of self-regulated learning on metacognition and the mediating role of metacognition in problem-solving.
Results: The results indicated a significant direct effect of self-regulated learning strategies on metacognition (β = 0.357, t = 5.785) and a significant indirect effect on problem-solving through metacognition (β = 0.528, t = 13.855). The measurement and structural models demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with satisfactory factor loadings, composite reliability, and goodness-of-fit indices, confirming the stability and robustness of the observed relationships. Conclusions: Findings confirm that metacognition serves as a key mediator in transmitting the influence of self-regulated learning strategies to problem-solving performance. The results underscore the importance of developing educational programs that simultaneously enhance self-regulatory and metacognitive skills to improve students’ problem-solving abilities and academic outcomes. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-report measures, and the focus on one city, suggesting directions for future longitudinal and multi-context research.

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-directed learning (SDL) and problem solving, with a focus on the mediating role of self-regulated learning (SRL) and the moderating role of gender among Iraqi university students.
Method: A correlational research design was employed. The statistical population included all the students of Qadisiyah University in Iraq in the academic year 2023-2024. A sample of 300 students were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the Problem-Solving Inventory (Cassidy & Long, 1996), The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (Cheng, Kuo, Lin & Lee-Hsieh, 2010), and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (Pintrich & De Groot, 1990). Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SPSS and AMOS software.
Results: The results indicated a good model fit. SDL had a direct impact on problem solving. Additionally, SRL partially mediated the relationship between SDL and problem solving. However, gender did not significantly moderate the relationship between SRL and problem solving.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that increasing SDL and SRL among students can enhance their problem-solving skills.

Abstract This study investigated the effectiveness of problem-solving skills in learning self-regulation and achievement motivation in twelfth-grade female students with exam anxiety in Tabriz. The present study was a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test-follow-up study with a control group. From the population of 12th-grade female students with test anxiety in Tabriz city, 30 were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling and random assignment. All the studied sample members completed the self-regulated learning questionnaires of Lau & Jong (2022) and motivation to push through Lang and Fries (2006) in the pre-test-post-test-follow-up phases. The experimental group was exposed to the problem-solving skills package of D'Zurilla and Goldfried (1971) and was included in six 90-minute sessions over two months. Multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measurements was used to analyze the data using SPSS27 statistical software. The results showed significant differences in learning self-regulation achievement motivation in the experimental and control groups' pre-test/post-test and follow-up groups. After applying the independent variable (problem-solving skills), the experimental group obtained higher scores in the criterion variables than the control group. This effect remained in the follow-up period. This study's findings are significant, reassuring educators and psychologists that problem-solving skills can improve self-regulation and achievement motivation in students with anxiety.

Abstract Identifying the contributors to students’ academic performance and progress creates an approach for planning, developing, and perfecting educational programs. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of flipped teaching and problem-solving methods on the sense of responsibility and problem-solving ability in mathematics among female high school students in Ahvaz. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design and a control group. The statistical population included all female high school students in Ahvaz in 2019. Using the convenience sampling method, 75 students were selected and randomly divided into two experimental groups (flipped teaching and problem-solving method) and a control group (n= 25 per group). The control group received the traditional teaching method. The research instruments included the Responsibility Questionnaire and Problem-Solving Style Questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in productive and unproductive problem-solving styles among the students (p < 0.01). Also, the flipped teaching and problem-solving methods increased the sense of responsibility in the students, compared to the traditional method. According to the results, the effectiveness of flipped teaching was more effective compared to problem-solving methods on the productive and unproductive problem-solving styles and sense of responsibility. Consequently, the flipped teaching and problem-solving methods can be used to promote problem-solving styles and a sense of responsibility among students.