Module 6 - Metacognition Flashcards
What is Metacognition?
What are the two main components of metacognition?
What are the 4 key areas included in metacognitive knowledge?
What are three cognitive processes that are self-regulated through metacognitive control?
Metacognitive control involves the self-regulation of:
Planning (setting goals, choosing strategies, organizing your approach)45
Reflection (monitoring progress, evaluating strategy effectiveness, assessing understanding)6
Adjusting (making changes to strategies or approaches when they are not effective)
What is distributed practice?
Distributed practice is a learning technique that takes advantage of the spacing effect. It involves spacing out learning sessions over time, which has been shown to significantly improve information recall compared to cramming
What is retrieval practice and how does it relate to the testing effect?
Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information without referring to learning materials. This practice is connected to the testing effect, which shows that learners remember information better after being tested on it.
What is the main idea behind experiential learning theory
Experiential learning theory emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiences and reflection as the primary means of learning. It posits that people learn best through active engagement and thoughtful consideration of their experiences.
What are the four stages of Kolb’s Learning Cycle?
Kolb’s Learning Cycle consists of:
Concrete experience: An unexpected event or outcome challenges existing understanding.
Reflective observation: Evaluating different explanations for the experience and comparing them to current knowledge.
Abstract conceptualization: Forming a cohesive mental understanding that integrates the new experience.
Active Experimentation: Applying new concepts and understandings to similar situations
How can L&D professionals apply the principles of metacognition to enhance learning design?
L&D professionals can create learning experiences that foster metacognition by encouraging learners to think about their thinking and take control of their learning process. Here are key strategies, drawing from the principles discussed in Chapter 6 of the provided source:
1. Promote Self-Awareness of Cognitive Processes:
●Explicitly teach metacognitive strategies: Introduce learners to techniques like planning, monitoring, and evaluating their learning. Explain how these strategies can help them learn more effectively.
●Encourage self-assessment: Integrate activities like quizzes, reflective journals, or self-assessment rubrics to help learners gauge their understanding and identify areas where they need more practice or different approaches.
2. Facilitate Planning and Goal Setting:
●Set clear learning objectives: Clearly defined objectives provide learners with a roadmap and help them establish their own learning goals.
●Encourage learners to create learning plans: Guide them to break down complex tasks into smaller steps and identify resources or strategies that will support their learning.
3. Support Monitoring and Adjustment:
●Provide opportunities for reflection: Design learning experiences with built-in pauses for reflection. Encourage learners to think about what they’ve learned, how they’re progressing, and whether they need to adjust their strategies.
●Offer constructive feedback: Timely and specific feedback helps learners understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Encourage them to use this feedback to modify their approaches and continue learning.
4. Leverage Techniques that Enhance Metacognitive Control:
●Retrieval practice: Encourage the use of flashcards, quizzes, and other activities that require learners to actively recall information from memory. This strengthens neural connections and helps identify knowledge gaps.
●Spaced learning: Spread learning activities and retrieval practice over time to enhance long-term retention.
5. Model Metacognitive Thinking:
●Demonstrate your own thought processes: As an L&D professional, share your own experiences with planning, monitoring, and evaluating your learning. This provides learners with a concrete example of metacognition in action.
By applying these principles, L&D professionals can create learning environments that not only impart knowledge and skills but also empower individuals to become more self-aware, strategic, and self-directed learners.
