Scaffolded Metacognitive Prompting in Asynchronous Online Discourse: An Empirical Analysis of Self-Regulated Learning Outcomes Among Undergraduate STEM Cohorts

Cameron Adams; Riley Adams; Pat Roberts; Chris White

Authors

Cameron Adams Associate Professor
Riley Adams PhD
Pat Roberts Professor
Chris White D.Sc

Keywords:

scaffolded metacognitive prompting, self-regulated learning, asynchronous online discourse, STEM undergraduate education, quasi-experimental instructional design, epistemic agency, cognitive monitoring, online discussion forum pedagogy, zone of proximal development

Abstract

This study examines the differential effects of scaffolded metacognitive prompting (SMP) protocols embedded within asynchronous online discussion forums on self-regulated learning (SRL) outcomes among undergraduate STEM students (N = 312) across two academic semesters. Drawing on Zimmerman's cyclical SRL model and Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, a quasi-experimental mixed-methods design was employed to compare SMP-integrated cohorts against control groups using standard instructor-led facilitation. Quantitative analysis of pre- and post-intervention assessments revealed statistically significant gains in cognitive monitoring (d = 0.74) and task strategy deployment (d = 0.61) within SMP cohorts. Qualitative thematic coding of forum transcripts further identified emergent epistemic agency patterns absent in control groups. Findings carry substantive implications for instructional designers and higher education policy frameworks targeting scalable, evidence-based online pedagogy.

Author Biographies

Cameron Adams, Associate Professor

Associate Professor
University of British Columbia
2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada

Riley Adams, PhD

PhD
Utrecht University
Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, Netherlands

Pat Roberts, Professor

Professor
Seoul National University
1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea

Chris White, D.Sc

D.Sc
University of Melbourne
Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia

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