The Influence of Processing and Regulation of Learning on Academic Achievement Amongst First Year Undergraduate Psychology Students in University of North Sumatra

Abstract

Transition of learning from secondary to higher education demands new students to do academic adjustments, especially towards the change from rote learning to student-centered learning. Student-centered learning requires students to process learning material with more depth and to regulate their own learning. These skills often relate with academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of processing and regulation of learning conducted by first-level students on academic achievement. Other factors that affect academic achievement were explored too, such as student’s sex, parental support, conception of learning, and learning orientation . This study used mixed method. Quantitative data was obtained through Inventarisasi Cara Belajar (ICB) or Learning Style Inventory, which was filled by 180 third-semester students. ICB was used for measuring the processing and regulation of learning and their effect on academic achievement, which is depicted by Grade Point Average (GPA). Qualitative data was obtained through group interviews. Results of the study indicate that lack of regulation is the only one variable that can predict student academic achievement with a negative correlation. Several other factors were found to affect student academic achievement, including learning orientation, learning conceptions, learning motivation, academic commitment, and parental support. Researcher then designed a training based on reciprocal-teaching approach as an intervention with students as the participant.