Affective and cognitive variables involved in structural prediction of university dropout / Variables afectivas y cognitivas implicadas en la predicción estructural del abandono universitario

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of potentially important individual variables (motivation, satisfaction with the course, self-regulation, expectations of self-efficacy and perception of academic performance) on the intention to remain on university courses. METHOD: An ex-post-facto design was used, applying the University Life Questionnaire to a sample of 2,741 first-year students from six Chilean universities. Data were analyzed by path analysis. RESULTS: The intention to remain is higher when intrinsic motivation is higher, self-efficacy expectations are higher, the perception of performance is higher and satisfaction with the course is higher. All the variables included in the model explained 26% of the intention to remain. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the suitability of studying this phenomenon through complex models (e.g., structural equation models, multilevel models), since it makes little sense to try to explain dropout only through direct effects (as in most previous research). Secondly, the percentage of variance explained by dropout intention means it is important to continue this kind of research (with better controls, other types of measures, etc.)

ANTECEDENTES: el objetivo del estudio fue analizar la influencia de variables individuales potencialmente importantes (motivación, satisfacción con la carrera, autorregulación, expectativas de autoeficacia y percepción del desempeño académico) sobre la intención de permanecer en los estudios universitarios. MÉTODO: se ha empleado un diseño de tipo ex post-facto, administrando el Cuestionario de Vida Universitaria a una muestra compuesta por 2.741 estudiantes de primer año de seis universidades chilenas. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando un path análisis. RESULTADOS: la intención de permanencia se incrementa cuanto mayor es la motivación intrínseca, mayores las expectativas de autoeficacia, mayor la percepción de desempeño y mayor satisfacción con la carrera. Entre todas las variables consideradas en el modelo, la intención de permanencia fue explicada en un 26%. CONCLUSIONES: en primer lugar, se constata la conveniencia del estudio de este fenómeno mediante modelos complejos (por ejemplo, modelos de ecuaciones estructurales; modelos multinivel), pues no tiene sentido intentar explicar el abandono únicamente mediante efectos directos (como se hace en la mayoría de las investigaciones previas). En segundo lugar, el porcentaje de varianza explicada de la intención de abandono aconseja insistir en este tipo de estudios (con mayor control, con otro tipo de medidas, etc.)

Affective and cognitive variables involved in structural prediction of university dropout.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of potentially important individual variables (motivation, satisfaction with the course, self-regulation, expectations of self-efficacy and perception of academic performance) on the intention to remain on university courses. METHOD: An ex-post-facto design was used, applying the University Life Questionnaire to a sample of 2,741 first-year students from six Chilean universities. Data were analyzed by path analysis. RESULTS: The intention to remain is higher when intrinsic motivation is higher, self-efficacy expectations are higher, the perception of performance is higher and satisfaction with the course is higher. All the variables included in the model explained 26% of the intention to remain. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the suitability of studying this phenomenon through complex models (e.g., structural equation models, multilevel models), since it makes little sense to try to explain dropout only through direct effects (as in most previous research). Secondly, the percentage of variance explained by dropout intention means it is important to continue this kind of research (with better controls, other types of measures, etc.).

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnosis: An Activation-Executive Model.

Attention deficit with, or without, hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD) is categorized as neuro-developmental disorder. ADHD is a common disorder in childhood and one of the most frequent conditions affecting school ages. This disorder is characterized by a persistent behavioral pattern associated with inattention, over-activity (or hyperactivity), and difficulty in controlling impulses. Current research suggests the existence of certain patterns of cortical activation and executive control, which could more objectively identify ADHD. Through the use of a risk and resilience model, this research aimed to analyze the interaction between brain activation variables (nirHEG and Q-EEG) and executive variables (Continuous performance test -CPT-) in subjects with ADHD. The study involved 499 children, 175 females (35.1%) and 324 males (64.91%); aged from 6 to 16 years (M = 11.22, SD = 1.43). Two hundred and fifty six of the children had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and 243 were without ADHD. For the analysis of this objective, a causal model was designed to include the following different measures of task-execution: CPT TOVA (omissions, commissions, response time, variability, D prime and the ADHD Index); electrical activity (using Q-EEG); and blood-flow oxygenation activity (using nirHEG). The causal model was tested by means of structural equation modeling (SEM). The model that had been constructed was based upon three general assumptions: (1) There are different causal models for children with ADHD and those without ADHD; (2) The activation measures influence students' executive performance; and (3) There are measurable structural differences between the ADHD and control group models (executive and activation). In general, the results showed that: (a) activation measures influence executive patterns differently, (b) the relationship between activation variables (nirHEG and Q-EEG) depends on the brain zone being studied, (c) both groups showed important differences in variables correlation, with a good fit in each model (with and without ADHD). Lastly, the results were analyzed with a view to the diagnosis procedure. Therefore, we discuss the implications for future research.

Metacognition and executive functioning in Elementary School / Metacognición y funcionamiento ejecutivo en Educación Primaria

This study analyzes differences in metacognitive skills and executive functioning between two groups of students (10-12 years) with different levels of metacognitive knowledge (high = 50; low = 64). Groups were established based on student score on a test of knowledge on strategy use. Metacogntive skills were assessed by means of self-report. Students reported the frequency with which they applied these strategies during the phases of planning, execution and evaluation of learning. Finally, information about student executive functioning was provided by families and teachers, who completed two parallel forms of a behavior rating scale. The results indicated that: a) the group with high levels of metacognitive knowledge reported to use their metacognitive skills more frequently than their peers in the other group. These differences were statistically significant in the phases of planning and execution; b) both family and teachers informed about best levels of executive functioning in the students with high metacognitive knowledge. Statistically significant differences were found in planning, functional memory, focus and sustained attention. These results show the existence of an association between different levels of metacognitive knowledge, and differences in metacognitive skills and executive functions, and suggest the need to make emphasis in this set of variables in order to encourage students to acquire increasing levels of control over their learning process (AU)

Este trabajo analiza las diferencias en habilidades metacognitivas y de funcionamiento ejecutivo entre dos grupos de estudiantes (10-12 años) con diferentes niveles de conocimiento metacognitivo (alto = 50, bajo = 64). Los grupos fueron establecidos en función de la puntuación en una prueba de reconocimiento de estrategias. Las habilidades metacognitivas se evaluaron mediante auto-informe. Los estudiantes indicaron la frecuencia de empleo de estas habilidades en las fases de planificación, ejecución y evaluación del aprendizaje. Por último, la información sobre el funcionamiento ejecutivo fue proporcionada por familias y profesorado, los cuales cumplimentaron dos formas paralelas de un inventario de calificación de la conducta. Los resultados indicaron que: a) los estudiantes con alto conocimiento metacognitivo señalaron emplear más frecuentemente las habilidades metacognitivas que sus compañeros con bajo conocimiento metacognitivo. Estas diferencias se encontraron principalmente en las fases de planificación y ejecución; b) tanto familias como profesorado informaron acerca de unas mejores habilidades de funcionamiento ejecutivo en los estudiantes con alto conocimiento metacognitivo, siendo estadísticamente significativas las diferencias en planificación, memoria funcional, focalización de la atención y atención sostenida. Estos resultados muestran la existencia de una asociación entre diferentes niveles de conocimiento metacognitivo y las habilidades metacognitivas y de funcionamiento ejecutivo, sugiriendo la necesidad de incidir en el conjunto de variables estudiadas para promover entre los estudiantes niveles crecientes de control sobre su proceso de aprendizaje (AU)

Hipatia: a hypermedia learning environment in mathematics / Hipatia: un entorno de aprendizaje hipermedia en matemáticas

Literature revealed the benefits of different instruments for the development of mathematical competence, problem solving, self-regulated learning, affective-motivational aspects and intervention in students with specific difficulties in mathematics. However, no one tool combined all these variables. The aim of this study is to present and describe the design and development of a hypermedia tool, Hipatia. Hypermedia environments are, by definition, adaptive learning systems, which are usually a web-based application program that provide a personalized learning environment. This paper describes the principles on which Hipatia is based as well as a review of available technologies developed in different academic subjects. Hipatia was created to boost self-regulated learning, develop specific math skills, and promote effective problem solving. It was targeted toward fifth and sixth grade students with and without learning difficulties in mathematics. After the development of the tool, we concluded that it aligned well with the logic underlying the principles of self-regulated learning. Future research is needed to test the efficacy of Hipatia with an empirical methodology

La literatura existente señala los beneficios de diferentes herramientas dirigidas al desarrollo de la competencia matemática, la solución de problemas y los aspectos afectivo-motivacionales y la intervención en estudiantes con dificultades específicas de aprendizaje en matemáticas. Sin embargo, no existe una herramienta que combine todas estas variables. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar y describir el diseño y desarrollo de una herramienta hipermedia llamada Hipatia. Los ambientes hipermedia son, por definición, sistemas adaptativos de aprendizaje que son habitualmente empleados para proporcionar ambientes personalizados de aprendizaje. Este trabajo describe los principios en los que se basa la herramienta hipermedia Hipatia, así como, una revisión de las tecnologías disponibles desarrollas en diferentes áreas académicas. Hipatia fue creada para potenciar la autorregulación del aprendizaje y desarrollar habilidades específicas matemáticas y la resolución de problemas. La herramienta está dirigida a estudiantes de quinto y sexto curso de Educación Primaria con y sin dificultades de aprendizaje en matemáticas. Tras el desarrollo de la Hipatia, se puede concluir que efectivamente subyace los principios de la aprendizaje autorregulado. En investigaciones futuras será necesario poner a prueba la eficacia de la herramienta a través de metodologías empírica

Factors involved in making post-performance judgments in mathematics problem-solving / Factores implicados en la evaluación post-ejecución de la resolución de problemas matemáticos

BACKGROUND: This study examines the impact of executive functions, affective-motivational variables related to mathematics, mathematics achievement and task characteristics on fifth and sixth graders' calibration accuracy after completing two mathematical problems. METHOD: A sample of 188 students took part in the study. They were divided into two groups as function of their judgment accuracy after completing the two tasks (accurate= 79, inaccurate= 109). Differences between these groups were examined. The discriminative value of these variables to predict group membership was analyzed, as well as the effect of age, gender, and grade level. RESULTS: The results indicated that accurate students showed better levels of executive functioning, and more positive feelings, beliefs, and motivation related to mathematics. They also spent more time on the tasks. Mathematics achievement, perceived usefulness of mathematics, and time spent on Task 1 significantly predicted group membership, classifying 71.3% of the sample correctly. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the relationship between academic achievement and calibration accuracy, suggesting the need to consider a wide range of factors when explaining performance judgment

ANTECEDENTES: este estudio analiza la influencia del funcionamiento ejecutivo, componentes afectivo-motivacionales relacionados con las matemáticas, rendimiento académico y características de la tarea, en las habilidades de calibración de estudiantes de quinto y sexto curso tras la realización de dos problemas matemáticos. MÉTODO: participaron 188 estudiantes, divididos en dos grupos según la precisión de sus juicios de rendimiento tras la tarea (precisos = 79; imprecisos = 109). Se analizaron las diferencias entre los grupos en estas variables, y su capacidad discriminativa prediciendo la pertenencia al grupo. Los efectos de la edad, género y nivel educativo fueron analizados.RESULTADOS: los resultados indicaron que los estudiantes precisos en sus juicios presentaron mejores niveles de funcionamiento ejecutivo, así como sentimientos, creencias y motivaciones más positivas hacia las matemáticas, y mejor rendimiento académico en la asignatura. También emplearon más tiempo realizando las tareas. El rendimiento académico, la utilidad percibida de las matemáticas, y el tiempo empleado en la primera tarea predijeron significativamente la pertenencia de los estudiantes al grupo, clasificando correctamente al 71.3%. CONCLUSIONES: estos resultados apoyan la relación entre rendimiento académico y calibración, sugiriendo la necesidad de considerar un amplio rango de variables cuando estos juicios quieren ser explicados

Factors involved in making post-performance judgments in mathematics problem-solving.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the impact of executive functions, affective-motivational variables related to mathematics, mathematics achievement and task characteristics on fifth and sixth graders’ calibration accuracy after completing two mathematical problems. METHOD: A sample of 188 students took part in the study. They were divided into two groups as function of their judgment accuracy after completing the two tasks (accurate= 79, inaccurate= 109). Differences between these groups were examined. The discriminative value of these variables to predict group membership was analyzed, as well as the effect of age, gender, and grade level. RESULTS: The results indicated that accurate students showed better levels of executive functioning, and more positive feelings, beliefs, and motivation related to mathematics. They also spent more time on the tasks. Mathematics achievement, perceived usefulness of mathematics, and time spent on Task 1 significantly predicted group membership, classifying 71.3% of the sample correctly. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the relationship between academic achievement and calibration accuracy, suggesting the need to consider a wide range of factors when explaining performance judgments.

Assessment of a self-regulated learning intervention

Following a pretest-posttest design with no control group, this paper evaluates the efficacy of an intervention program. Consisting of twelve sessions, the program endeavored to increase knowledge and use of self-regulated learning strategies, as well as study time, in 277 first-year students in the Spanish secondary education system. The intervention’s efficacy was assessed in terms of three variables: knowledge of self-regulated learning strategies, use of self-regulated learning strategies, and study time. The results of post-intervention data analysis indicate that statistically significant changes occurred in students’ knowledge of self-regulated learning strategies and weekly study time, but not in their use of self-regulated learning strategies. When the sample was stratified into three groups (high, moderate, and low) according to baseline scores on the dependent variables, our findings show that students in the lower group profited most from the intervention on all three variables. This suggests that participation in the program is especially useful for at-risk students (i.e. those with little knowledge and use of effective learning strategies) (AU)

No disponible

Assessment of a self-regulated learning intervention.

Following a pretest-posttest design with no control group, this paper evaluates the efficacy of an intervention program. Consisting of twelve sessions, the program endeavored to increase knowledge and use of self-regulated learning strategies, as well as study time, in 277 first-year students in the Spanish secondary education system. The intervention's efficacy was assessed in terms of three variables: knowledge of self-regulated learning strategies, use of self-regulated learning strategies, and study time. The results of post-intervention data analysis indicate that statistically significant changes occurred in students' knowledge of self-regulated learning strategies and weekly study time, but not in their use of self-regulated learning strategies. When the sample was stratified into three groups (high, moderate, and low) according to baseline scores on the dependent variables, our findings show that students in the lower group profited most from the intervention on all three variables. This suggests that participation in the program is especially useful for at-risk students (i.e. those with little knowledge and use of effective learning strategies).

Psychometric characteristics of the BRIEF scale for the assessment of executive functions in Spanish clinical population / Características psicométricas de la escala BRIEF para la evaluación de funciones ejecutivas en población clínica española

BACKGROUND: The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) scale, completed by families, is widely known in the assessment of executive functions in children and adolescents. However, its application is limited to English-speaking population. METHOD: This study analyzes the preliminary results from its application in a Spanish clinical sample, comprising 125 participants aged 5-18 years. Internal structure and reliability of the translated scale were analyzed, as well as its relationship with other behavioral measures through the analysis of their correlations with the Assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale (EDAH). The results were compared with those from the original validation study. RESULTS: The data revealed the presence of the same internal structure, as well as acceptable internal consistency and significant correlations with the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity components of the EDAH scale. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence of the utility of the BRIEF scale in cultural contexts different from the original, particularly in Spanish clinical population

ANTECEDENTES: la escala Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF), cumplimentada por familias, es ampliamente conocida en la evaluación de las funciones ejecutivas en niños y adolescentes. Sin embargo, su aplicación está limitada a población de habla inglesa. MÉTODO: en este estudio se analizan los primeros resultados procedentes de su aplicación a una muestra clínica española, formada por 125 participantes de 5 a 18 años. Se analizó la estructura interna y fiabilidad de las puntuaciones de la escala traducida al español, así como su relación con otras medidas comportamentales a través del análisis de sus correlaciones con la escala de Evaluación del Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad (EDAH). Los resultados se compararon con los del estudio de validación original. RESULTADOS: los datos mostraron la presencia de una misma estructura interna de las puntuaciones, así como una aceptable consistencia interna y correlaciones estadísticamente significativas con los componentes de Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad de la escala EDAH. CONCLUSIONES: este estudio aporta evidencia preliminar sobre la utilidad de la escala BRIEF en contextos culturales diferentes al originario, concretamente en población clínica española

Assessment of dispositional and contextual variables in educational settings: IEPA and AYES scales / La afabilidad y extroversión de los seguidores y su lealtad hacia el liderazgo auténtico

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that there are a few instruments designed to measure dispositional and contextual variables in educational contexts, the goal of this study is to elaborate and validate two questionnaires to measure learning interest, effort and progression as dispositional (IEPA) and contextual (AYEs) variables in secondary education students. METHOD: An initial version of both scales was developed. They were reviewed by a panel of experts and tested on two pilot studies. The final versions were administered to the described sample and their psychometric properties were tested. Factor analyses (exploratory and confirmatory) were conducted on three sets of data: Mathematics (n = 290), Spanish Language and Literature (n = 283), and Physical Education (n = 289). RESULTS: Both final scales had three dimensions with four items in each dimension. All standardized loads and critical values of t were overwhelmingly positive, while alpha coefficients ranged from .85 to .91. Both scales showed adequate construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that these new scales have adequate psychometric properties, allowing a valid and reliable assessment

ANTECEDENTES: si bien existen en la literatura instrumentos diseñados para evaluar variables disposicionales y contextuales en ámbitos educativos, la finalidad de este estudio es elaborar y validar dos cuestionarios que permitan medir el interés, el esfuerzo y la progresión en el aprendizaje en el alumnado de Educación Secundaria como variables disposicionales (IEPA) y contextuales (AYES). MÉTODO: tras elaborar una primera versión, que fue sometida sucesivamente a un juicio de expertos y a dos estudios piloto previos, se comprobaron las medidas psicométricas de la versión definitiva. Se realizaron análisis factoriales (exploratorios y confirmatorios) en tres conjuntos de datos: Matemáticas (n = 290), Lengua Castellana y Literatura (n = 283) y Educación Física (n = 289). RESULTADOS: las escalas definitivas están compuestas por tres dimensiones de cuatro ítems cada una. Todas las cargas estandarizadas y los valores críticos de t superaron ampliamente los niveles mínimos recomendados, el coeficiente alfa osciló entre ,85 y ,91. Ambos cuestionarios mostraron una adecuada validez de constructo, validez convergente, validez discriminante y validez concurrente. CONCLUSIONES: estos resultados indican que las nuevas escalas poseen adecuadas propiedades psicométricas, lo que permite una evaluación válida y fiable

Psychometric characteristics of the BRIEF scale for the assessment of executive functions in Spanish clinical population.

BACKGROUND: The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) scale, completed by families, is widely known in the assessment of executive functions in children and adolescents. However, its application is limited to English-speaking population. METHOD: This study analyzes the preliminary results from its application in a Spanish clinical sample, comprising 125 participants aged 5-18 years. Internal structure and reliability of the translated scale were analyzed, as well as its relationship with other behavioral measures through the analysis of their correlations with the Assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale (EDAH). The results were compared with those from the original validation study. RESULTS: The data revealed the presence of the same internal structure, as well as acceptable internal consistency and significant correlations with the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity components of the EDAH scale. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence of the utility of the BRIEF scale in cultural contexts different from the original, particularly in Spanish clinical population.

Assessment of dispositional and contextual variables in educational settings: IEPA and AYES scales.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that there are a few instruments designed to measure dispositional and contextual variables in educational contexts, the goal of this study is to elaborate and validate two questionnaires to measure learning interest, effort and progression as dispositional (IEPA) and contextual (AYEs) variables in secondary education students. METHOD: An initial version of both scales was developed. They were reviewed by a panel of experts and tested on two pilot studies. The final versions were administered to the described sample and their psychometric properties were tested. Factor analyses (exploratory and confirmatory) were conducted on three sets of data: Mathematics (n = 290), Spanish Language and Literature (n = 283), and Physical Education (n = 289). RESULTS: Both final scales had three dimensions with four items in each dimension. All standardized loads and critical values of t were overwhelmingly positive, while alpha coefficients ranged from .85 to .91. Both scales showed adequate construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that these new scales have adequate psychometric properties, allowing a valid and reliable assessment.

Executive Functioning in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Reading Disabilities

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Reading Disabilities (RD) are two of the most common problems at school age, which are often associated. Several studies have addressed this association. However, its etiology is still unknown. Although RD usually have been associated with phonological and visual problems and ADHD with executive functioning impairments, several studies also have shown executive functioning deficits in children and adolescents with RD. The aim of this study was to know executive functioning in a sample of 108 children and adolescents with ADHD and ADHD with RD associated, through the administration of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions-BRIEF in its parent form. We found a higher executive deficit in the comorbid group than in the ADHD isolated group, being working memory and planning the most relevant domains. Beyond the study of this association, knowing the executive functioning profile in each subgroup would also be useful for designing specific intervention programs for each population (AU)

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Autoeficacia y utilidad percibida como condiciones necesarias para un aprendizaje académico autorregulado / Self-efficacy and perceived utility as necessary conditions for self-regulated academic learning

En el marco de la teoría social cognitiva, en este trabajo se investiga en qué medida el rendimiento escolar (Lengua y Matemáticas) puede ser explicado por el uso de estrategias de aprendizaje autorregulado y cómo este tipo de comportamiento deseable puede estar condicionado por la utilidad percibida de su uso y por la competencia percibida para su ejecución. Para completar el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales, se plantea que los niveles de estas variables hipotéticamente centrales en el aprendizaje están significativamente influenciados por el tiempo de estudio, el curso actual y el grado de fracaso escolar (número de cursos repetidos). El ajuste del modelo se ha llevado a cabo en base a una muestra de 750 estudiantes de enseñanza básica (entre 12 y 15 años) seleccionados aleatoriamente por grupo de un total de diez colegios. Los resultados obtenidos muestran, en la dirección de lo hipotetizado, que a mayor uso de estrategias de autorregulación del proceso de aprendizaje mayor es el rendimiento, y viceversa, y que el uso de dichas estrategias depende fuertemente de la utilidad percibida de tal comportamiento y de la autoeficacia para su uso efectivo. Estos datos sugieren la importancia de que los profesores utilicen estrategias de autorregulación en las tareas previstas en el currículo, aplicándolas a situaciones concretas de aprendizaje y entrenando su transferencia para otros contextos y tareas escolares, ya que esto hará más visible su utilidad y la práctica generará competencia percibida en los alumnos (AU)

Grounded on the social cognitive perspective, the current investigation aims at evaluating, through a structural equation model, the extent to which school achievement (Portuguese and Math) can be explained by using self-regulated learning strategies and how those self-regulated behaviors can be affected by perceived instrumentality as well as by students’ perceived competence to manage learning strategies adequately. In order to develop the structural equation model the hypothesized learning variables previously referred are supposed to be significantly affected by students’ study time, grade level and school underachievement (number of years failed at school). The EQS model has been developed with a sample of 750 Portuguese students attending compulsory education (12 to 15 years old) randomly selected among a larger group of students from ten different schools. Data confirm the importance of teachers’ using embedded self-regulated strategies in the academic tasks assigned to their students, promoting their transference to other contexts and different academic activities, once this teaching practice will be a privileged way to make learning strategies’ usefulness clear and to ensure the promotion of students’ perceived competence (AU)

Disposición y enfoques de aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios de primer año / First-year university students’ disposition and approaches to learning

La investigación del aprendizaje autorregulado ha permitido distinguir estrategias o procesos cognitivos que el estudiante selecciona y ejecuta para alcanzar sus objetivos. Al enfrentar una tarea el estudiante analiza sus características, el contexto y sus propias capacidades adoptando estrategias de planificación y gestión de sus recursos, empleando un enfoque de aprendizaje superficial o profundo. Para describir la relación entre las variables estrategias de disposición y enfoques de aprendizaje se aplicó el Cuestionario de Estrategias de Aprendizaje a 344 estudiantes de primer año de ocho carreras de una universidad chilena. Los resultados mostraron relaciones significativas (r superior a .30, p<.001) entre estrategias de disposición y utilización de enfoque de aprendizaje profundo y entre estas variables y las horas de estudio semanales.

Research on self-regulated learning has recognized cognitive processes that students select and execute to achieve their goals. When performing a task, the student analyzes the task characteristics, context and his own capacities, employing resource planning and management, adopting either deep or superficial learning approaches. To describe the relationship between “disposition to learning strategies and” and “deep and superficial learning approaches”, the “Cuestionario de Formas de Estudio” questionnaire was applied to 344 1st year students from eight study programs of a Chilean university. The results show significant correlation (r greater than 0.30, p lower than 0.001) between disposition to learning strategies and usage ofdeep learning approaches, and between the aforementioned variables and the amount of weekly study time.

[Efficacy of the program "Testas's (mis)adventures" to promote the deep approach to learning]. / Eficacia del programa "(Des)venturas de Testas" para la promoción de un enfoque profundo de estudio.

This paper provides information about the efficacy of a tutorial training program intended to enhance elementary fifth graders' study processes and foster their deep approaches to learning. The program "Testas's (mis)adventures" consists of a set of books in which Testas, a typical student, reveals and reflects upon his life experiences during school years. These life stories are nothing but an opportunity to present and train a wide range of learning strategies and self-regulatory processes, designed to insure students' deeper preparation for present and future learning challenges. The program has been developed along a school year, in a one hour weekly tutorial sessions. The training program had a semi-experimental design, included an experimental group (n=50) and a control one (n=50), and used pre- and posttest measures (learning strategies' declarative knowledge, learning approaches and academic achievement). Data suggest that the students enrolled in the training program, comparing with students in the control group, showed a significant improvement in their declarative knowledge of learning strategies and in their deep approach to learning, consequently lowering their use of a surface approach. In spite of this, in what concerns to academic achievement, no statistically significant differences have been found.

Un análisis de los modelos teóricos actuales de escritura y su relación con el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH) / No disponible

Entendiendo la escritura como un proceso recursivo, se presenta un estudio que pretende explorar, de forma general, los principales modelos de escritura. Intentando a su vez, explicitar elementos y conceptos relevantes de los mismos en relación con el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH). Con ello, de una forma reflexiva se pretende realizar una primera conexión entre la escrituray los problemas del TDAH debido a la escasez de literatura al respecto. A su vez, se pretenden relacionar teóricamente, los aspectos destacados de estos modelos, con los modelos actuales y más usados del TDAH. Dentro de estos modelos generales de escritura,y teniendo en cuenta que la revisión textual es uno de los procesos cognitivos esenciales, se dedica mayor atención a dos modelos concretos de escritura referidos a este proceso, con el fin de ampliar la visión teórica, y ejemplificar las dificultades del niño con TDAH en un proceso concreto (AU)

Understanding writing as a recursive tool, we pretends explore theoretical base of the principal different models of writing, and alsohow these models are related to Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We hope to establish a thoughtful connection between writing and the difficulties of ADHD, due to the scarcity of literature on this subject. Also, we establish a theoretical relationship between the theory of writing and the current theory of ADHD models. Within these models, and taking into account that is a textual review of the key cognitive processes in writing. We will emphasize two concrete models referring to the process of revising, with the aim of extending the theoretical vision and exemplify the difficulties of children with ADHD in a concret process of writing (AU)

Perfiles motivacionales y diferencias en variables afectivas, motivacionales y de logro / Motivational profiles and differences in affective, motivational and achievement variables

En este trabajo se pretende identificar si existen combinaciones de múltiples metas que dan lugar a diferentes perfiles motivacionales. La muestra está integrada por 1924 estudiantes universitarios. A través del análisis de conglomerados se han identificado seis perfiles motivacionales. Los resultados indican que el perfil motivacional que engloba a los estudiantes que están motivados para aprender, pero también para conseguir mejores resultados que los demás y para evitar dar una mala imagen ante ellos, son los que informan de un mejor rendimiento académico y los que creen también tener un nivel más alto de conocimientos en las materias académicas que están cursando. Por otro lado, los estudiantes con un perfil motivacional orientado al aprendizaje son los que hacen una valoración más alta de las tareas, los que tienen un mayor grado de control sobre su proceso de aprendizaje, y los que tienen unos niveles más bajos de ansiedad.

The purpose of this work is to identify whether there are combinations of multiple goals that lead to different motivational profiles. The sample is made up of 1924 university students. By means of cluster analysis, six motivational profiles were identified. The results indicate that the motivational profile that comprises students who are motivated to learn, but also to achieve better results that the rest and to avoid making a bad impression on them are the students who report better academic achievement and also the students who believe they have a higher level of knowledge in the academic subjects they are studying. However, students with a learning oriented motivational profile value the tasks more, have more control over their learning process, and have lower levels of anxiety.

Eficacia del programa «(Des)venturas de Testas» para la promoción de un enfoque profundo de estudio / Efficacy of the program «Testas’s (mis)adventures» to promote the deep approach to learning

En este artículo se aporta información sobre la eficacia de un programa tutorial para la mejora de los procesos de estudio y promoción de enfoques profundos de aprendizaje. El programa «(Des)venturas de Testas» se organiza en torno a un conjunto de libros que relatan las experiencias vividas por Testas, un alumno típico, a lo largo de su escolaridad. Estas historias constituyen la oportunidad para trabajar un amplio repertorio de estrategias de aprendizaje y procesos de autorregulación, pretendiendo capacitar a los alumnos para aprendizajes actuales y futuros más profundos. El programa se llevó a cabo durante un curso académico, una hora semanal en clases de tutoría. El diseño utilizado fue cuasi-experimental, con grupo experimental (n= 50) y grupo control (n= 49), y medidas pre y postest (conocimiento declarativo de estrategias de aprendizaje, enfoques de aprendizaje y rendimiento académico). Los datos obtenidos muestran que los alumnos que participan en el programa de capacitación, en relación a sus compañeros del grupo control, mejoran significativamente en cuanto al dominio de conocimiento declarativo respecto de las estrategias de aprendizaje y del enfoque profundo, y disminuye el uso de un enfoque de estudio superficial, aunque no se obtienen mejoras estadísticamente significativas en el rendimiento académico (AU)

This paper provides information about the efficacy of a tutorial training program intended to enhance elementary fifth graders’ study processes and foster their deep approaches to learning. The program «Testas’s (mis) adventures» consists of a set of books in which Testas, a typical student, reveals and reflects upon his life experiences during school years. These life stories are nothing but an opportunity to present and train a wide range of learning strategies and self-regulatory processes, designed to insure students’ deeper preparation for present and future learning challenges. The program has been developed along a school year, in a one hour weekly tutorial sessions. The training program had a semi-experimental design, included an experimental group (n=50) and a control one (n=50), and used pre- and posttest measures (learning strategies’ declarative knowledge, learning approaches and academic achievement). Data suggest that the students enrolled in the training program, comparing with students in the control group, showed a significant improvement in their declarative knowledge of learning strategies and in their deep approach to learning, consequently lowering their use of a surface approach. In spite of this, in what concerns to academic achievement, no statistically significant differences have been found (AU)