WGU Learning Strategies in Higher Education - D389 Assessment 2026
1. Which phase of Zimmerman’s Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) model involves
task analysis and goal setting?
A. Self-Reflection Phase
B. Performance Phase
C. Forethought Phase
D. Evaluation Phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The Forethought phase occurs before the learning effort and includes task
analysis (goal setting and strategic planning) and self-motivation beliefs.
2. Metacognition is most accurately defined as:
A. The ability to memorize large amounts of data quickly
B. The physiological process of neuron firing in the brain
C. The speed at which a student completes a standardized test
D. Thinking about one’s own thinking and learning processes
Answer: D
Rationale: Metacognition involves being aware of and regulating one’s own cognitive
processes to improve learning outcomes.
,3. In the Information Processing Model, which memory system has a very
limited capacity and duration (usually 15-30 seconds)?
A. Long-term Memory
B. Sensory Memory
C. Procedural Memory
D. Working Memory
Answer: D
Rationale: Working memory (or short-term memory) is where active processing occurs,
but it is limited in capacity and duration unless information is rehearsed.
4. A student who believes that their intelligence can be developed through hard
work and perseverance exhibits a:
A. Growth Mindset
B. Performance Orientation
C. Fixed Mindset
D. External Locus of Control
Answer: A
Rationale: A growth mindset, popularized by Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and
intelligence can be developed over time.
5. What does the ‘S’ in SMART goals stand for?
A. Standardized
B. Strategic
C. Specific
D. Sustainable
Answer: C
Rationale: SMART goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-
bound.
, 6. Which strategy involves connecting new information to existing knowledge to
move it into long-term memory?
A. Maintenance Rehearsal
B. Sensory Gating
C. Rote Memorization
D. Elaborative Rehearsal
Answer: D
Rationale: Elaborative rehearsal involves making meaningful connections between new
material and what is already known, facilitating better encoding.
7. A student feels they failed a test because the teacher ‘made it too hard.’ This
is an example of:
A. Internal Locus of Control
B. High Self-Efficacy
C. External Locus of Control
D. Metacognitive Monitoring
Answer: C
Rationale: An external locus of control is the belief that outside forces (like luck or
teachers) determine outcomes rather than one’s own actions.
8. During the Performance Phase of SRL, which of the following is a key process?
A. Self-Observation
B. Outcome Attribution
C. Strategic Planning
D. Self-Judgment
Answer: A
Rationale: The Performance phase involves self-control and self-observation (monitoring
one’s progress while performing the task).
1. Which phase of Zimmerman’s Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) model involves
task analysis and goal setting?
A. Self-Reflection Phase
B. Performance Phase
C. Forethought Phase
D. Evaluation Phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The Forethought phase occurs before the learning effort and includes task
analysis (goal setting and strategic planning) and self-motivation beliefs.
2. Metacognition is most accurately defined as:
A. The ability to memorize large amounts of data quickly
B. The physiological process of neuron firing in the brain
C. The speed at which a student completes a standardized test
D. Thinking about one’s own thinking and learning processes
Answer: D
Rationale: Metacognition involves being aware of and regulating one’s own cognitive
processes to improve learning outcomes.
,3. In the Information Processing Model, which memory system has a very
limited capacity and duration (usually 15-30 seconds)?
A. Long-term Memory
B. Sensory Memory
C. Procedural Memory
D. Working Memory
Answer: D
Rationale: Working memory (or short-term memory) is where active processing occurs,
but it is limited in capacity and duration unless information is rehearsed.
4. A student who believes that their intelligence can be developed through hard
work and perseverance exhibits a:
A. Growth Mindset
B. Performance Orientation
C. Fixed Mindset
D. External Locus of Control
Answer: A
Rationale: A growth mindset, popularized by Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and
intelligence can be developed over time.
5. What does the ‘S’ in SMART goals stand for?
A. Standardized
B. Strategic
C. Specific
D. Sustainable
Answer: C
Rationale: SMART goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-
bound.
, 6. Which strategy involves connecting new information to existing knowledge to
move it into long-term memory?
A. Maintenance Rehearsal
B. Sensory Gating
C. Rote Memorization
D. Elaborative Rehearsal
Answer: D
Rationale: Elaborative rehearsal involves making meaningful connections between new
material and what is already known, facilitating better encoding.
7. A student feels they failed a test because the teacher ‘made it too hard.’ This
is an example of:
A. Internal Locus of Control
B. High Self-Efficacy
C. External Locus of Control
D. Metacognitive Monitoring
Answer: C
Rationale: An external locus of control is the belief that outside forces (like luck or
teachers) determine outcomes rather than one’s own actions.
8. During the Performance Phase of SRL, which of the following is a key process?
A. Self-Observation
B. Outcome Attribution
C. Strategic Planning
D. Self-Judgment
Answer: A
Rationale: The Performance phase involves self-control and self-observation (monitoring
one’s progress while performing the task).
