What Is the SRSD Method?
The Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) method is an evidence-based approach to teaching genre writing (compositions, essays, reports) that blends explicit instruction in writing strategies with self-regulation, metacognition, and social-emotional learning (SEL) techniques. SRSD empowers students to plan, draft, revise, and self-assess their essays while enhancing their writing skills and boosting academic confidence.
“SRSD is extraordinarily effective because it builds essential self-regulation skills and motivation. Our results show remarkable improvements across diverse student groups, maintaining gains over time and across various settings.”
Dr. Tanya Santangelo
SRSD Researcher
The Six Stages of SRSD Learning
“SRSD is effective because it combines explicit, structured learning stages with a focus on mastery. Students are not allowed to fail as they go through the process. This approach builds students’ confidence and motivation.”
Dr. Karen Harris
SRSD Creator
A Comprehensive Approach
SRSD is a holistic method designed to enhance students’ writing abilities through six structured stages of learning. These recursive stages allow students to revisit and strengthen their understanding as needed. A central feature of SRSD is its focus on modeling, using the “I do, You do, We do” approach.
- Six structured stages of learning
- Recursive process for reinforcing stages
- Focus on modeling: “I do, You do, We do”
High Proficiency and Confidence in Writing
SRSD exemplifies mastery learning by ensuring students fully grasp and can effectively apply each writing strategy before advancing to the next lesson or stage. They are not allowed to fail. This approach guarantees high proficiency and confidence in writing, nurturing long-term academic success. Moreover, SRSD emphasizes self-regulation, empowering students to take control of their learning.
- Mastery learning process
- Emphasis on self-regulation
- Integration with existing curricula
SRSD: Beyond Genre and Essay Writing
Self-Regulated Strategy Development is more than an evidence-based approach to teaching genre and essay writing. SRSD brings metacognitive awareness, psychological resilience, and critical thinking skills, enabling students to understand their thought processes, build motivation, and sharpen their ability to analyze and enhance their work. By addressing these broader learning and personal growth aspects, SRSD equips students with tools for lifelong learning and effective problem-solving.
- Self-Regulation
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Self-Assessment
- Self-Monitoring
- Goal Setting
- Strategic Planning
- Collaborative Learning
- Positive Self-talk
- Motivation and Beliefs
- Metacognition
- Persistence and Resilience
- Critical Thinking
Pioneers of SRSD: The Work of Karen Harris and Steve Graham
In the 1990s and 2000s, Karen and Steve broadened their research from special needs to encompass all students, showing that SRSD improves writing quality across various grade levels and abilities. Early in their work, they identified critical strategies within SRSD—such as planning, drafting, evaluating, and revising—combined with self-regulation techniques like goal setting and self-assessment, empowering students to take control of their writing process.
Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning (SEL) has been effectively integrated into SRSD research, helping students manage their emotions during the writing process—a frequent source of anxiety and frustration. SRSD teaches students to set realistic goals, use self-talk to navigate challenges and celebrate their achievements, and cultivate social skills such as empathy, respect, and cooperation through peer reviews and collaborative writing.
Broadening the Scope
Recent extensive research has highlighted SRSD’s effectiveness, prompting its widespread adoption nationally and internationally. The term “The Science of Writing” aptly describes SRSD, as it is grounded in rigorous research that validates each strategy, from writing techniques to practical teacher training. As new findings emerge and educational needs evolve, the SRSD model continues to adapt, demonstrating the dynamic nature of academic science.
Legacy and Future Directions
As SRSD continues to be the subject of international research, it remains a practical framework for educators to enhance writing instruction. It represents the legacy of Drs. Harris and Graham and its impact on classroom practices. Their work has shaped countless educational careers, improving writing outcomes for generations of students. With evolving educational technology and ongoing research exploring digital implementations and adaptations, SRSD is vital to “The Science of Writing.”
The History of SRSD and The Science of Writing
SRSD is a cornerstone in the field we call 'The Science of Writing.’ Watch Karen Harris explain its origins.
The Self‐Regulated Strategy Development Instructional Model: Efficacious Theoretical Integration, Scaling Up, Challenges, and Future Research
Karren R. Harris
July 18th 2024
In this article, I provide the first publication thoroughly detailing how the theoretical foundation for the self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) instructional model was developed. I explain the development of the theoretical base for the SRSD model of instruction and the initial focus on writing instruction. I detail the reason- ing and research that provided the base for the theory underlying the SRSD model of instruction.
Go To Study
KEY THEORIES USED IN THE SCIENCE OF WRITING AND SRSD RESEARCH
From the outset, Karen Harris has anchored SRSD in several psychological principles, drawing on the insights of Lev Vygotsky, Albert Bandura, B.F. Skinner and others emphasize that learning is a social process enhanced by strategies promoting autonomy and self-regulation.
BY DESIGN- STUDENTS DON’T FAIL AT WRITING USING SRSD
Karen grounded SRSD in several foundational psychological theories that enrich student learning and writing. Central to SRSD is Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which emphasizes providing instructional support slightly beyond a student’s current capabilities. This scaffolding approach allows students to progressively master new writing strategies without failing, building their competence and independence one step at a time.
Albert Bandura’s self-efficacy theory also informs SRSD’s focus on boosting students’ confidence in their writing abilities. By breaking down tasks into achievable steps, SRSD helps students develop a strong belief in their capacity to succeed, enhancing their motivation and performance.
Further enriching SRSD is B.F. Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning highlights the role of reinforcement in learning. SRSD applies these principles by using positive encouragement, a key element in the model, to support and sustain successful writing behaviors. By combining aspects of proven psychological theories, Karen has created a process that promotes greater self-regulation and autonomy in students.
