Metacognition!

What does it mean to be a metacognitive learner?

(Yipe!...that’s a really big word.)

What is Metacognition?•Being metacognitive means…

–Thinking about your thinking.–(Being aware of your own thinking.) •The best learners are very aware of the process of their own learning as it’s occurring. Here are some examples…

Examples of Metacognitive Thinking

• Recognizing when you don’t understand something– Some people read pages and pages of text

and, because they could pronounce all the words on the page, don’t even realize they didn’t understand the meaning! They weren’t thinking about their thinking!

– The same goes for a lecture in class!• Note: AP classes usually ask me the most

questions during class, and I LOVE it!

Examples of Metacognitive Thinking

• Knowing your own learning style– Are you an auditory learner? (Learn by

hearing)• Listening to a lecture, discussion, music

– A visual learner? (Learn by seeing)• Seeing printed text (a PowerPoint, nametag,

etc.)• Seeing/visualizing pictures associated with

concepts

– A kinesthetic learner? (Learn by doing)• Using manipulatives for math or science• Writing things down to learn them

– A combination of the three? That’s what I am!

Ms. Leuschel!Wait…it’s not quite right.

Ah. Much better.

Examples of Metacognitive Thinking

• Knowing how best to organize your notes to facilitate your own learning– Cornell notes?

• You can quiz yourself so you don’t have to make an additional study guide!

• It also forces you to look at your notes AFTER class, which I always struggled to make myself do until the test, and then it was overwhelming!

– Outlining?• Shows you how ideas are related (general—specific)• I LOVE this way!

– Incorporating pictures to remember concepts• To draw something visually, you have to really

understand it!

Examples of Metacognitive Thinking

• Knowing how to study so you will learn and remember the material– Flashcards? (visual)– Rewriting the material? (kinesthetic/visual) – Having a friend/parent quiz you? (auditory)– Singing/Chanting games to remember

facts? (auditory)– A combination of the three?

• That’s me again!

– Realizing when you should study!

Examples of Metacognitive Thinking

• Knowing your reading strengths and weaknesses– Do you read fiction best? Nonfiction?– Do you space out when you read?– Do you know the best way to read a textbook?– Do you know your favorite genre?– Do you know the genre with which you struggle most?– Do you know what to do when you don’t understand

what you read?– Do you know which reading strategies you use? Don’t

use?

Why Does it Matter?• The more metacognitive you are about

your learning, the better learner you will be. • You will be amazed at how much better

you’ll remember and understand what you learn, and therefore, enjoy it more because you’ll feel more successful!

• In college, your teachers are no longer responsible for your learning. You are! For many that is a major adjustment.

• You can apply these behaviors to any class!

The End!…or is it?