The quest for finding effective learning strategies is relentless in the ever-evolving landscape of education. Among the various approaches, metacognition is one of the concepts that stands out for its impact on teaching and learning. But what exactly is metacognition, and why is it so crucial for deep learning?
What is Metacognition?
Metacognition is often described as “thinking about thinking,”. This description refers to the awareness and control of one’s learning processes. Yes, this is part of metacognition, but it doesn’t encompass all of it. Metacognition is so much more than just a thought process. It can also be described as the process by which learners use knowledge of the task at hand, of learning strategies, and of themselves to plan their learning, monitor their progress towards a learning goal, and evaluate the outcome.01
Metacognitive Knowledge
This includes an understanding of one’s own learning processes, the tasks at hand, and the strategies that can be employed to solve problems or learn new information.
02
Metacognitive Regulation
Or, self-regulation, which involves the planning, monitoring, and evaluating of one’s own learning activities. Essentially, it’s about being able to adjust your strategies as needed to optimise learning.
Why is Metacognition Important for Education?
It is a crucial skill for learners that enables them to develop a deeper understanding of their own learning processes and to become more independent learners.
Metacognition is crucial for deep learning for several reasons:
Enhanced Self-Awareness
Learners who understand their cognitive processes can identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling focused improvements.
Improved Problem-Solving Skills
By assessing various strategies and their outcomes, learners can develop more effective methods for solving complex problems.
Greater Adaptability
Metacognitive learners can modify their learning strategies to suit different contexts and subjects, leading to more versatile and resilient learning.
How to Foster Metacognition in Learners
There are a variety of strategies that educators can use to foster metacognition in learners. Here are a few of those strategies and some practical examples of how it can be used:
01 | Encourage Reflection:
JOURNALING: Have learners keep a learning journal where they regularly reflect on what they’ve learnt, the strategies they used, and what they found challenging.
Discussion Prompts: Use prompts that encourage learners to think about their thinking, such as "What strategies did you use to solve this problem?" or "How could you approach this task differently next time?"
02 | Teach Metacognitive Strategies:
Planning: Encourage learners to set clear goals and plan their approach before starting a task.
Monitoring: Teach learners to regularly check their understanding and progress during a task. Questions like "Do I understand this section?" or "Am I on the right track?" can be helpful.
Evaluating: After completing a task, prompt learners to assess their performance and strategy effectiveness. Ask questions like "What worked well?" and "What could I improve?"
03 | Model Metacognitive Thinking:
Demonstrate your own thought processes during problem-solving activities. Verbalise your planning, monitoring, and evaluating steps to provide a clear example for learners.
04 | Create a Metacognitive-Friendly Environment
Safe Space for Mistakes: Encourage a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. This reduces fear of failure and promotes reflection.
Collaborative Learning: Group activities where learners discuss and compare their approaches can foster metacognitive awareness through peer learning.
Metacognition in Practice:
Example 1:
Let’s consider an example of a history lesson on the Industrial Revolution. A teacher might start by asking learners to write down what they already know about the topic (activating prior knowledge). During the lesson, the teacher could prompt learners to summarise key points and predict what might come next (monitoring understanding). After the lesson, learners might be asked to reflect on which parts they found most challenging and why (evaluating).
Example 2:
This is an example of a Mathematics class lesson on solving algebraic equations. The facilitator uses the four stages of metacognitive learning for this lesson. The lesson begins with a "you" stage, where learners shared their thoughts on algebraic equations and the strategies they had used before. Then, in the "plan" stage, learners set a clear learning goal and planned their approach, including the strategies they would use, how long it would take, and what could potentially go wrong. During the "do" stage, learners solved a set of algebraic equations, and halfway through, they reflected on their progress using sentence scaffolds to identify what was working and what wasn't. Finally, in the "review" stage, learners reflected on their success, what went well, and what they could do differently next time. During this lesson, learners were encouraged to implement metacognition by reflecting on their prior knowledge, planning their approach, monitoring their progress, and reviewing their learning. By incorporating metacognitive strategies, learners developed problem-solving skills, enhanced self-awareness, and improved learning efficiency, ultimately leading to more effective learning outcomes.
Conclusion
Metacognition is a powerful tool in the educator’s toolkit to drive learners towards deeper, more meaningful learning experiences, empowering them to take control of their learning and ultimately lead them to greater academic success and lifelong learning skills. Fostering metacognition isn’t just about improving test scores; it’s about equipping learners with the cognitive tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. So, start today by integrating metacognitive practices into your lessons and watch your learners thrive.
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References
Cambridge Assessment International Education. (n.d.). Getting started with Metacognition. Available at Cambridge Assessment International Education
High-Speed Training. (2021). Metacognition in the Classroom: Benefits & Strategies. Available at High Speed Training
InnerDrive. (n.d.). What is Metacognition? Available at Inner Drive
MIT Teaching + Learning Lab. (n.d.). Metacognition. Available at Teaching+Learning Lab
Study.com. (n.d.). What is Metacognition in Psychology? – Definition & Examples. Available at Study.com
