Assessing self-regulated writing strategies, working memory, L2 proficiency level, and multimedia writing performance

This paper presents two empirical studies. Study 1 validated a survey on L2 self-regulated strategies in writing in a multimedia environment. Study 2 examined the relationship of Chinese students' working memory to their L2 English proficiency and self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies in multimedia writing. A total of 400 Chinese university students participated in Study 1, and they responded to a survey on SRL strategy use in multimedia writing. A total of 406 Chinese university students attended Study 2. They completed the survey and an operation span task (a measure of working memory). All the participants' English proficiency was evaluated using the College English Test-4, a standardized test for undergraduate students in China. Results of Study 1 revealed a 5-factor SRL strategy structure consisting of goal setting, strategic planning, elaboration, self-evaluation, and help seeking. Results of Study 2 suggested the predicted effects of self-regulated strategies, working memory, and L2 proficiency on L2 writing performance. Findings also demonstrated the moderation effects of English proficiency on the effects of self-regulated writing strategies. Implications for enhancing writing in multimedia environments are provided.