M.A. Concentration in Self-Regulated Learning (SRL)

We are not accepting applications for MA students for 2025-26 in the SRL Concentration.

Across North America, “self-regulated learning” is being associated with the kinds of “21st century learning skills” that schools need to foster, if today’s learners are to experience success from primary grades through the adult years. Self-regulation is critical because it entails learners’ adaptive engagement in activity within particular environments (e.g., students’ successful navigation of academic work in schools). Models of self-regulation describe how “metacognition” (e.g., understanding oneself as a learner), motivation/emotions, and strategic action combine to ensure success in learning. Research suggests that these models provide a powerful framework from which educators can build to better understand challenges/successes in students’ learning and engagement, and for constructing practices that foster students’ development as empowered, strategic learners.

We have created a Self-Regulated Learning concentration option in the HDLC M.A. program for students with an interest in learning more about theories, research, and practice in the area of self-regulated learning. This concentration will be offered in the HDLC Master’s programs, or as a “sub-specialization” for graduate students from other programs at UBC (e.g., in Psychology, Health Professions Education, or Science).

Through the program, participants will consider together theories, principles, and practices related to:

• developmental and learning processes in the academic, social-emotional, and cultural domains;
• self-regulation and motivation in classrooms and schools;
• meeting the diverse learning needs in today’s classrooms;
• how to interpret and take up theory/research to inform on-going practice development.

MA students are eligible to apply for Tri-Council Grants in their first year only.

Self-Regulated Learning Program Information (30 credits)

The HDLC M.A. program is most appropriate for those with an interest in research and the possibility of continuing on to advanced work in a doctoral program. Participants in the M.A. SRL concentration will engage in rich, inquiry-based processes through which they will continually have opportunities to co-construct knowledge related to learning and development, and to bridge theory, research and practice. As part of their program, they will advance their understanding about research methods suited to the study of complex learning processes like SRL, and will contribute to understanding about HDLC and SRL through undertaking a supervised masters thesis project.

Below are the minimum requirements for the M.A. concentration. Students are strongly encouraged to take additional relevant courses selected in consultation with, and approved by, their advisor.

PGS form can be found on HDLC Forms & Resources page.