How to evaluate and enhance "learning to learn" competency: Evidence from junior high school students

Li Bo; Zhao Xiaomei; Sun Hao

How to evaluate and enhance "learning to learn" competency: Evidence from junior high school students

Abstract

"Learning to learn" competency (LTL) is a crucial objective of talent development and a key component of fostering core competencies within educational practice globally. However, a well-defined evaluation index system for this competency remains lacking. Therefore, this study constructs an evaluation index system for junior high school students' "learning to learn" competency through the Grounded Theory, the Delphi method, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. First, using procedural grounded theory, a three-level coding of 41 models of "learning to learn" competency was conducted, resulting in a preliminary theoretical framework comprising three primary indicators and thirteen secondary indicators. Second, through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation (N = 22), the indicators were optimized, and a final system was established consisting of three primary indicators—"learning cognition", "learning drive", and "learning execution"—along with nine secondary indicators. Third, based on this indicator system, an assessment scale was developed and empirically validated with 983 junior high school students. The results demonstrated a good model fit, with reliability and validity indicators meeting psychometric standards. Finally, using S Middle School as a case study, five distinct student profiles were identified through cluster analysis: "high LTL competency", "strategy-oriented", "Cognition-Execution Coordinated", "low motivation", and "low LTL competency". The application and practical value of the evaluation index system are discussed for three stakeholder groups: students, teachers, and schools. This indicator system, characterized by both theoretical systematicity and practical operability, provides a scientific basis for fostering and evaluating junior high school students' "learning to learn" competency.

Keywords

Project Number

Grant No. HB25JY004

Ethical Statement

Hebei Normal University, Science and Technology Ethics Committee, LLSC2025112.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Measurement and Evaluation in Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Li Bo
0009-0006-1716-1654
China

Zhao Xiaomei ^* This is me
0009-0005-3024-7973
China

Sun Hao This is me
0009-0003-9606-9159
China

Early Pub Date

July 12, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

August 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Bo, L., Xiaomei, Z., & Hao, S. (2026). How to evaluate and enhance "learning to learn" competency: Evidence from junior high school students. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, Advanced Online Publication. https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP

AMA

1.Bo L, Xiaomei Z, Hao S. How to evaluate and enhance "learning to learn" competency: Evidence from junior high school students. Int. J. Assess. Tools Educ. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP

Chicago

Bo, Li, Zhao Xiaomei, and Sun Hao. 2026. “How to Evaluate and Enhance ‘learning to Learn’ Competency: Evidence from Junior High School Students”. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, no. Advanced Online Publication. https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP.

EndNote

Bo L, Xiaomei Z, Hao S (July 1, 2026) How to evaluate and enhance "learning to learn" competency: Evidence from junior high school students. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education Advanced Online Publication

IEEE

[1]L. Bo, Z. Xiaomei, and S. Hao, “How to evaluate and enhance ‘learning to learn’ competency: Evidence from junior high school students”, Int. J. Assess. Tools Educ., no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP

ISNAD

Bo, Li - Xiaomei, Zhao - Hao, Sun. “How to Evaluate and Enhance ‘learning to Learn’ Competency: Evidence from Junior High School Students”. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education. Advanced Online Publication (July 1, 2026). https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP.

JAMA

1.Bo L, Xiaomei Z, Hao S. How to evaluate and enhance "learning to learn" competency: Evidence from junior high school students. Int. J. Assess. Tools Educ. 2026. Available at https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP.

MLA

Bo, Li, et al. “How to Evaluate and Enhance ‘learning to Learn’ Competency: Evidence from Junior High School Students”. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP.

Vancouver

1.Li Bo, Zhao Xiaomei, Sun Hao. How to evaluate and enhance "learning to learn" competency: Evidence from junior high school students. Int. J. Assess. Tools Educ. [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). Available from: https://izlik.org/JA48FM57DP