Relationship between cold executive functions and self-regulated learning management in college students

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between cold executive functions (cEFs), and self-regulated learning management (SRLM) in college students. There is a positive and a statistically significant relationship between cold executive functions (cEFs) and self-regulated learning management (SRLM). This research is a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and inferential study, with a correlational approach. The sample was non-probabilistic, by convenience sampling, composed of n = 379 college students belonging to pedagogy careers, 64.1% were males, and 35.9% females, aged between 17 and 34 years old (M = 19.82, SD = 2.41). The results show that there is a strong association between cold executive functions and self-regulated learning management since high performance in cEFs would imply a high performance on learning management. On the other hand, it is also observed a predictive value of planning cEF on SRLM, meaning that, an optimal level of planning would imply adequate management of learning processes. The original contribution of this study is to provide evidence to consider supporting plans for college students to improve their skills in the cEFs, due to the negative impact that failure in higher education represents for the student, their families, and university system. Finally, we think it is necessary to continue the research in depth of these variables, and their influence in higher education academic performance.