Introduction | 3
If our students struggle with self-regulation, we often regulate for them. “Having trouble staying focused? Sit right here and complete your homework.” “Don’t remember what homework is due? Let me list it out for you.” “Lost your worksheet? Here is another copy.” Alternatively, we sometimes think that natural consequences teach desired behaviors. “Didn’t do your homework? You earned a zero.” These common educator responses are missed opportunities to teach students how to self-regulate. When we provide instruction and intentionally create opportunities to guide students’ practice, we gradually shift responsibility, working to build the capacity of students to enact their own plans for success. While self-regulation is an internal, reflective process, we can teach students a set of skills that empowers them to self-regulate. In addition to planning, to help students develop the ability to effectively self-regulate, we also need to teach them to monitor their progress, adjust their efforts if things aren’t going according to their original plan, and apply meaningful reflection. Students can expand their abilities to self-regulate through instruction and integration within content-area learning and experiences. Students develop self-regulation skills the same way they develop skills in mathematics or reading—by learning through direct instruction, opportunities for practice, and feedback consistently provided across time.
W H AT T E A C H E R S S AY
“To me, self-regulation is a mix of self-control, routine, and follow-through. It’s a mix of the mind and the physical habits coming together. Self-regulation is ultimately a lifestyle that allows us to reach our big-picture goals.” —Terese, social studies teacher
What Does Self-Regulation Look Like? When students self-regulate, they apply the four components of selfregulation to numerous situations in order to attain goals, learn skills, manage emotional reactions, and accomplish tasks. Here are a few examples of common things adolescents work to self-regulate.
Mastering a game
Getting to school or work on time
Saving money for a big purchase
Focusing attention on a task
Responding calmly when frustrated
Eating a balanced diet
