#628: From Regulation to Co-Regulation: A Game-Based Simulation for Human and Simulated Learners during Complex Problem Solving

This paper presents MetaSim, a game-based simulation designed to foster the development and transfer of metacognitive and self-regulated learning (SRL) skills in human learners. Grounded in contemporary theories of SRL and metacognition, MetaSim targets algebra by integrating cognitive, affective, motivational, metacognitive, and social dimensions of learning and complex problem solving. Central to MetaSim’s design, human learners interact with simulated learners (SLs), who serve as adaptive pedagogical agents (PA), embodying their human learner’s SRL profile. While human learners engage in problem solving, the SLs model, explain, and justify SRL strategies, prompting learners to reflect on and refine their own regulatory behaviors. This paper presents a high-level overview of the four phases of teaching and testing the simulated learners’ metacognitive capabilities in MetaSim.