Students’ self-control and learning outcome in a university blended course

Abstract

Self-control has been regarded as a critical factor which influences people’s success in their lives, including their academic achievement. This paper reports a study which aimed to investigate the impact of self-control on a group of 94 university students’ learning in a blended course. Data about their learning experiences were collected via pre-test, post-test and weekly reports during their studies. Their capability of self-control was measured by a self-control trait scale. It was found that the self-control could predict the students’ learning outcomes. Path analyses revealed that the effect was mediated through course participation.