Parental and Teacher Autonomy Support in Developing Self-Regulation Skills

Abstract

Homework is a key learning activity that promotes students’ self-regulation, motivation,and academic achievement. Previous studies highlight the importance of parental andteacher autonomy support in fostering these outcomes, but the mechanisms underlyingthese relationships require further investigation. This study investigates the effects ofparental and teacher autonomy support on students’ self-regulation skills, mathematicshomework completion, and academic achievement. Additionally, it examines whethergender moderates these relationships. The research was conducted with 530 middle schoolstudents from five public schools in Istanbul, covering 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. Datawere collected on teachers’ and parents’ autonomy support in homework, students’ self-regulation strategies, homework behaviors, and academic performance. Analyses wereperformed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 25 software, employing structural equation modeling(SEM) with mediation paths, multi-group path analysis, and correlation tests. The resultsindicate that both parental and teacher autonomy support positively influence students’ useof self-regulation strategies, which in turn enhances homework completion and academicsuccess. Self-regulation was found to mediate these relationships, confirming its crucial rolein academic outcomes. However, gender did not significantly moderate these associations.This study advances the understanding of how parental and teacher autonomy supportinfluence self-regulation, homework behavior, and academic achievement, contributingto the existing literature. By examining the mediating role of self-regulation and themoderating effect of gender, it provides in-depth insights into variations in homeworkengagement and academic outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of autonomy-supportive practices by parents and teachers to foster students’ independent study skills.Future studies could extend these findings by examining subject-specific differences andlongitudinal effect.