In a recent study published in IEEE Access, Amr Adel Elsayed from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Cairo, Egypt, has introduced a fresh approach to assessing self-regulated learning among students, particularly in engineering disciplines. This research is especially relevant to the maritime sector, where continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for success.
Traditionally, self-regulated learning assessments have relied on lengthy questionnaires administered in one go. For instance, the well-known Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) consists of a hefty 81 items, which can overwhelm students and may not provide an accurate reflection of their learning capabilities. Elsayed’s innovative method, dubbed the Spaced Measurement of Self-Regulated Learning Questionnaire (SMSRLQ), flips this script. Instead of bombarding students with questions all at once, the SMSRLQ spreads out 150 items over several weeks, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of students’ learning processes.
This spaced approach was tested at various Egyptian universities, utilizing Facebook as a platform for engagement. Students were divided into control and experimental groups, with the latter receiving monthly feedback on their progress. The results were telling: 77% of students in the experimental group reported an improvement in their self-learning abilities, as opposed to just 50% in the control group. “The spaced approach enhances students’ participation and improves their self-regulated learning competences,” Elsayed noted, emphasizing the effectiveness of this method.
For the maritime industry, this research opens up several commercial avenues. As the sector increasingly relies on skilled professionals who can adapt to new technologies and methodologies, fostering self-regulated learning could be a game changer. Training programs and educational institutions in maritime fields can adopt similar spaced learning techniques to enhance the competencies of future seafarers and engineers. Furthermore, the incorporation of digital platforms for feedback and engagement aligns well with the industry’s shift towards more tech-savvy training solutions.
The implications are clear: by utilizing innovative assessment tools like the SMSRLQ, maritime educators can better equip students with the skills necessary for their careers, ultimately leading to a more competent workforce. As Elsayed’s research indicates, this method not only identifies gaps in learning but actively supports students in bridging those gaps, paving the way for a more skilled and adaptable maritime sector.
