Digital game-based learning (DGBL) interventions can be superior to traditional instruction methods for learning, but previous meta-analyses covered a huge period and included a variety of different target groups, limiting the results’ transfer on specific target groups. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis is a theory-based examination of DGBL interventions’ effects on different learning outcomes (cognitive, metacognitive, affective-motivational) in the school context, using studies published between 2015 and 2020 and meta-analytic techniques (including moderator analyses) to examine the effectiveness of DGBL interventions compared to traditional instruction methods. Results from random-effects models revealed a significant medium effect for overall learning (g = .54) and cognitive learning outcomes (g = .67). Also found were a small effect for affective-motivational learning outcomes (g = .32) and no significant effect for metacognitive learning outcomes. Additionally, there was no evidence of publication bias. Further meta-regression models did not reveal evidence of moderating personal, environmental, or confounding factors. The findings partially support the positive impact of DGBL interventions in school, and the study addresses its practical implications.

The present study examines university students’ acceptance of e-learning according to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). We also investigate the influence of external factors, including self-efficacy with digital media, self-regulated learning, prior experience, and affinity for technology, to extend the model with valid individual factors. Structural equation modeling with maximum-likelihood estimation served to evaluate the proposed research model, which included online questionnaire data from N = 225 undergraduates studying various subjects in 53 universities. The results indicate that the TAM is replicable regarding e-learning for German-speaking university students. Additionally, we found self-regulated learning and affinity for technology to be significantly positively related to the two main components of the TAM, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, implying their importance in technology acceptance. However, self-efficacy with digital media and prior experience showed no significant impact on university students’ technology acceptance. We also found a significant positive relationship between attitudes toward e-learning and behavioral intention, showing that university students with positive attitudes are more willing to use it in the future. Therefore, higher education should consider students’ individual prerequisites for e-learning and support students during the use of e-learning environments, to promote the development of positive experiences and attitudes toward e-learning.

The importance of self-regulated learning (SRL) for academic learning and achievement is already well established. In terms of developing a comprehensive understanding of SRL, executive functions (EFs), which are seen as an important influential factor for learning and goal-oriented behavior, should be taken into consideration. Some authors have linked SRL and EF via metacognition (MC), which forms a fundamental component of SRL, and like EF, represents higher-level cognitive processes. Therefore, this systematic review searched education and psychology databases to determine the natural development and current state of research on the three constructs. Academic transitional periods were brought into focus because of their influence on learners’ well-being and academic achievement. An evaluation of 30 publications indicated that strong development of simple EFs occurs before the transition from preschool to primary school. Moreover, there is a decrease in the motivational component of SRL and the use of metacognitive SRL strategies during the transition from primary to secondary education but an increase in metacognitive awareness. Simple as well as complex EFs also increase during this transition, with a later developmental peak for complex EF. The transition from secondary to tertiary education is accompanied by positive developments in the cognitive and metacognitive components of SRL, with small increases for simple EFs, and larger increases for complex EFs. In conclusion, the findings suggest there is an early developmental maximum for EFs compared to SRL and MC, which supports the theory that EFs are the foundation for SRL and MC.

Although self-regulated learning (SRL) is seen as highly relevant for successful college learning, college students oftentimes show a lack in SRL abilities. Therefore, it seems necessary to foster SRL in this group of leaners. In order to evaluate such training and to foster SRL in an optimal way, a valid assessment of this competence and its development is necessary. As different methods for the assessment of SRL show benefits and points of criticism, the present study used a multimethod approach to investigate convergence between and across different measures as well as their predictive validity for achievement. SRL was conceptualized of cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational components. Seventy college students were assessed with two broad SRL-measures (questionnaire, strategy knowledge test) and two task-specific SRL measures (microanalyses, trace data) within a standardized laboratory setting. Moreover, GPA of college entrance diploma was gathered as an indicator of general achievement level. Results indicate moderate to high relations between the different components of SRL (cognition, metacognition, and motivation) within one assessment level and no relations between the different assessment methods within one component. With regard to achievement, we found that every component is predictive for achievement but only if measured with different assessment methods. The results are discussed with regard to their implications for future research and the use of different assessment methods for SRL.

Self-regulated learning (SRL) and executive functions (EF) are broad concepts stemming from different research areas. They have been defined and modeled in various ways and are repeatedly related to each other in the literature, but so far, no systematic analyses of these relations have been published. Therefore, a systematic analysis of their relationships described in the literature was conducted. Nineteen studies were synthesized concerning different categories (age groups, measurement methods, role of metacognition, relation to achievement, and longitudinal/intervention studies). In general, primarily low to moderate correlational relationships between SRL and EF were reported, with no detectable pattern depending on the age group. Measurement methods used to capture SRL and EF seem to influence the size of the correlations, with indirect measures correlating higher than direct/indirect measures. In addition, there is evidence that metacognition mediates the relationship between EF and SRL. In general, the notion that EF predicts SRL but not vice versa is supported. Following the systematic review, the results are critically discussed in the light of non-generalizable samples, measurement methods, and results interpretation issues. Suggestions for theory building and promising future research are given.