RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-regulated learning ability of freshmen in nursing college on the learning persistence intention, and to determine if their learning motivation meditates the relationship between them. METHODS: The study design was based on descriptive research. Data were collected from 146 nursing freshmen studying at a university in D city from June 5, 2017 to June 7, 2017. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation among learning persistence intention, self-regulated learning ability (r=.57, p<.001) and learning motivation (r=.60, p<.001). Also, it was found that learning motivation was positively correlated with self-regulated learning ability (r=.79, p<.001). According to the Sobel test results, the learning motivation had a complete mediating effect (β=.39, p<.001) between self-regulated learning ability and learning persistence intention (Z=3.63, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study suggests developing a learning motivation program to improve self-regulated learning ability and learning persistence intention of nursing students during their freshman year.