Explain the Mediating Role of Self-Directed Learning in the Relationship Between Metacognitive Beliefs and Academic Procrastination of High School Students

The aim of this study was to explain the mediating role of self-directed learning in the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and academic procrastination of high school students. The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population was all 6100 high school students in Miandoab, of which 361 were selected using cluster sampling using Morgan table. Data collection tools were standardized questionnaires of metacognitive beliefs of Wales et al., Gagilmino self-directed learning, and Solomon and Rodoblum. Validity (content and structure) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) of the questionnaires indicated that the measuring instruments had good validity and reliability. The results of testing the hypotheses by SPSS and PLS software and using correlation tests and structural equation modeling showed that Self-directed learning plays a significant role in the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and academic procrastination (p<0.01) and the relationship between the three components of positive beliefs about worry (p<0.05), cognitive confidence (p<0.05) and cognitive self-awareness. (p<0.01) with academic procrastination and with the mediating role of self-directed learning is negative and significant. Self-leadership is positive and significant (p<0.01). Finally, the results showed that self-leadership learning has a negative and significant relationship with academic procrastination (p< 0.01). Finally, the results showed that self-directed learning has a negative and significant relationship with academic procrastination (p< 0.01). Therefore, by strengthening positive metacognitive beliefs in students and, consequently, increasing self-directed learning, it is possible to reduce academic procrastination in them.