Co-Regulated Learning in Clinical Environments: From Individual Self-Regulation to Relational Regulation During Multidisciplinary Clinical Clerkships
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E8/2026-33Keywords:
co-regulated learning, clinical clerkship, feedback, medical education, multidisciplinary teams, self-regulated learning, workplace learningAbstract
Clinical clerkships are frequently described as environments where medical students need to develop more self-control. Because learning during clerkships is inextricably linked to involvement in patient-care teams, this conceptualisation is useful but incomplete. This conceptual article makes the case that self-regulated learning (SRL) should be viewed as a relational achievement that alternates between self-, co-, and socially shared forms rather than as an individual ability. When a learner's goal-setting, method use, monitoring, emotion, and reflection are momentarily supported, redirected, or transformed by another person or a social interaction, this is known as co-regulated learning (CRL). Peers, residents, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, patients, and material artefacts may all be involved in this kind of control in multidisciplinary clinical teams. In order to facilitate adaptive involvement, professional identity, and patient-safe learning, the study suggests a process model in which co-regulatory episodes are shaped by clinical affordances, network access, psychological safety, supervisory calibration, and feedback dialogue. It is incorrect to view CRL as the antithesis of autonomy. Instead, mature regulation includes understanding when a team has to work together to control a common therapeutic learning issue as well as recognising when, why, and from whom to seek help. Longitudinal team attachment, clear co-regulatory practices, interprofessional involvement, feedback follow-through, and evaluation of help-seeking and collaborative monitoring are some of the educational implications.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rika Lisiswanti, Nurfatonah, Oktafany, Selfi Renita Rusjdi (Author)
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