The Effectiveness of Teaching Self-Regulated Learning and Metacognitive Strategies on Academic Procrastination, Psychological Well-Being, Self-Efficacy, and Academic Satisfaction Among Medical Students: A Review of Recent Research

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Senior Expert in Educational Psychology & Health Instructor Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services

2 Student Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran

3 Student Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran

Abstract
Academic procrastination is a prevalent issue among university students, particularly those in high-stress programs like medical studies. This behavior is often associated with negative consequences such as lower academic performance, heightened stress, and a decline in psychological well-being. One promising solution to this problem involves teaching self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies, with a focus on metacognition, which encourages students to monitor, evaluate, and adjust their learning processes. This review synthesizes the body of research on the effectiveness of SRL and metacognitive strategies in reducing academic procrastination and enhancing key outcomes, including psychological well-being, academic self-efficacy, and overall academic satisfaction, particularly among medical students. The review finds that SRL and metacognitive interventions significantly improve both academic performance and mental health by helping students better manage their time, reduce procrastination, and increase motivation. By promoting greater awareness and control over their learning habits, students can overcome procrastination tendencies, leading to improved academic outcomes and greater satisfaction in their studies. The findings of this review suggest that SRL and metacognitive approaches are valuable tools in addressing procrastination and fostering more successful, well-rounded students, particularly in demanding academic environments such as medical education.

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