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SMA-grid and what/when/how/by-whom-or-what frameworks for characterizing SRL scaffolds

Research Method · All research methods
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 2 studies (2 review), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description

The introduction uses two frameworks to compare the special-issue studies. The SMA-grid (Molenaar et al., 2023) characterizes each study by CAMM processes (Cognition, Affect, Metacognition, Motivation), data streams (physiological, behavioral, contextual), and analytical approach (unimodal, horizontal, vertical, integrated). Alongside it, the what, when, how, and by whom or what of scaffolding (Azevedo & Jacobson, 2008) distinguishes what to scaffold, when to provide a scaffold, how it is delivered, and the delivery mechanism. Together these axes organize the seven contributions' similarities and differences.

Accounts

  • SMA-grid and what/when/how/by-whom-or-what frameworks for characterizing SRL scaffolds: The introduction uses two frameworks to compare the special-issue studies. The SMA-grid (Molenaar et al., 2023) characterizes each study by CAMM processes (Cognition, Affect, Metacognition, Motivation), data streams (physiological, behavioral, contextual), and analytical approach (unimodal, horizontal, vertical, integrated). Alongside it, the what, when, how, and by whom or what of scaffolding (Azevedo & Jacobson, 2008) distinguishes what to scaffold, when to provide a scaffold, how it is delivered, and the delivery mechanism. Together these axes organize the seven contributions' similarities and differences. (Joep van der Graaf et al. (2023))
  • The SMA grid as a framework for mapping SRL measurement across CAMM processes, data streams, and analytical approaches: The self-regulated learning, multimodal data, and analysis grid (SMA grid) organizes how studies measure SRL by relating CAMM processes to data streams and analysis approaches. The article states that "The self-regulated learning, multimodal data, and analysis grid (SMA) is used as a framework for mapping and analyzing these processes across diverse data streams." It distinguishes unimodal, horizontal, vertical, and integrated approaches to combining data streams, and reveals that affective and motivational processes receive less attention than cognitive and metacognitive ones. (Joni Lämsä et al. (2026))
  • Adapted SMA grid adding a mind-wandering column to map mind-wandering research onto SRL processes, data streams, and analytical approaches: The SMA grid (Molenaar et al., 2023) organizes SRL research along axes of multimodal data streams, CAMM SRL processes (cognition, affect, metacognition, motivation), and analytical approaches. The review extends it by adding a mind-wandering column and redefining the analytical approaches: "our adaptation modifies the horizontal approach to specifically include analyses that assess mind wandering alongside at least one other CAMM process." Unimodal approaches cover only mind wandering with one modality; vertical approaches cover only mind wandering with multiple streams; integrated approaches combine mind wandering, at least one CAMM process, and multiple streams. (Bühler et al. (2025))
  • SMA Grid: a two-dimensional classificatory framework for multimodal SRL research: The Self-regulated learning, Multimodal data and Analysis Grid (SMA Grid) is a classificatory and organizing framework for multimodal SRL research, with one dimension differentiating cognitive, metacognitive, affective, and motivational (CAMM) components and a second dimension characterizing multimodal measurements. The paper states it "serves as a valuable tool for structuring the rapidly growing field of multimodal SRL research," promoting transparency, comparability, and conceptual orientation. It functions from heuristic classification to guiding analytic design, but does not claim to be a fully developed theoretical model of SRL. (Tina Seufert (2026))
  • The SMA grid: a two-dimensional framework mapping CAMM processes against data streams and four analytic approaches: The Self-Regulated Learning Processes, Multimodal Data, and Analysis (SMA) grid, introduced by Molenaar et al. (2023) and applied in this review, maps SRL research along two axes: CAMM processes (cognition, metacognition, affective states, motivation) and data streams (behavioural, physiological, contextual). It distinguishes four analytic approaches: "The unimodal approach is a classical approach, focusing on a single CAMM process with one data stream", horizontal (multiple processes, one stream), vertical (one process, multiple streams), and integrated (multiple streams, multiple processes). The review mapped 141 studies onto the grid to visualise typical combinations. (Susanne de Mooij et al. (2025))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • Joep van der Graaf, Michelle Taub, Yizhou Fan. (2023). Introduction to special issue on facilitating self-regulated learning with scaffolds: Recent advances and future directions. Metacognition and Learning. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11409-023-09364-9
  • Joni Lämsä, Susanne de Mooij, Martine Baars, Inge Molenaar, Sanna Järvelä. (2026). Self-Regulated Learning, Multimodal Data, and Analysis Grid: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10113-4
  • Bühler, B., Fütterer, T., von Keyserlingk, L., Bozkir, E., Kasneci, E., Gerjets, P., & Trautwein, U. (2025). Mapping Mind Wandering to the “Self-Regulated Learning Process, Multimodal Data, and Analysis Grid”: A Systematic Review. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10041-3
  • Tina Seufert. (2026). Transforming Self-regulated Learning – Multimodal Insights and Future Directions. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-026-10119-6
  • Susanne de Mooij, Joni Lämsä, Lyn Lim, Olli Aksela, Shruti Athavale, Inti Bistolfi, Flora Jin, Tongguang Li, Roger Azevedo, Maria Bannert, Dragan Gašević, Sanna Järvelä, Inge Molenaar. (2025). A Systematic Review of Self-Regulated Learning through Integration of Multimodal Data and Artificial Intelligence. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10028-0
Page metadata
Field Value
type research-method
id sma-grid-and-whatwhenhowby-whom-or-what-frameworks-for-characterizing-srl-scaffolds
title SMA-grid and what/when/how/by-whom-or-what frameworks for characterizing SRL scaffolds
description The introduction uses two frameworks to compare the special-issue studies.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-19
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