How Metacognitive Strategies Can Maximize Learning?
The things that students learn at school, right from the established theories regarding fundamental physics, and scientific facts to mathematical solutions, are significant resources of knowledge. But how often do we assess the necessity of teaching these things? More importantly, we give less emphasis on the way we learn things because rote memorization has been the oldest and standard procedure to learn something.
When it comes to learning outcomes, all students are not able to accomplish them by the end of a particular course or program. We often tend to blame the learner’s inefficiency, but we should consider all aspects while analysing the reason for failure. Hence, it is fair to say that by nature, everyone may not be equal in regard to intellectual capabilities.
However, learning and teaching techniques are a significant part of the learning process, for which the instructors and institutes are responsible. Furthermore, they treat students’ grades as the ultimate barometer to assess their intellect and skill. However, they need a technique such as a metacognitive strategy to track student progress and determine their problem areas and act accordingly.
What is metacognition?
Metacognition is a concept that pertains to being self-aware of one’s own cognitive processes, including knowledge about varied things. It is also intentional thinking about how we think, observe and learn. It has two dimensions which include:
Metacognitive knowledge
Metacognitive knowledge relates to students’ knowledge of their own cognitive abilities. This includes the knowledge about the things that they already have learned and know the steps which they need to take to apply the knowledge.
For instance, when the students have the knowledge of particular tasks involving thinking about ideas and concepts of an assignment. Additionally, this also includes the knowledge of different strategies which they can implement according to a particular situation.
Metacognitive regulation
Metacognitive regulation pertains to what the students do when it comes to processing new information and describes how they monitor and regulate their cognitive processes. This part particularly has three phases which are the planning phase, the monitoring phase and the evaluation phase.
How are metacognitive strategies helpful for student learning?
Independent learning
According to the standard classroom teaching, students follow whatever the teachers teach during assignments they execute whatever they are asked to do. Moreover, there is little to no room for improvisation and they have to do whatever has been predetermined. On the other hand, metacognitive strategies encourage students to be self-reliant and be independent learners.
Learners have the opportunity to gain ownership of their own learning, for instance, whenever teachers give them any task, they research and complete it on their own. Instructors play the role of mediators and provide guidance when required.
Positive impact
Metacognition enables the students to identify the proper way to learn things, hence they are able to retain information for a longer period of time. Consequently, when the situation calls for it, they are able to apply the knowledge and skills in practicality. Therefore, it positively impacts their learning because it serves as a key element in their educational journey.
Varied usage for all levels of education
Instructors can use metacognitive strategies for primary and secondary level students, and it is valid for further higher studies in universities and colleges. However, since the main goal behind the concept is to motivate learners to utilise their mind power to accomplish any task, it is helpful for all students.
Moreover, even after the completion of studies, individuals can utilise the strategy to gain knowledge or learn new skills. Consequently, they can indicate the same in their resumes, which will serve to enhance their overall profile.
It does not cost a penny
There is always the fear of expensive gadgets or systems whenever instructors want to implement any strategy in the classroom. But it would not cost any money to implement metacognitive strategies, however, teachers must possess the knowledge and technical know-how to properly use the relevant tools.
Also, if the institutions have ERP solutions, instructors can easily conduct the class with the help of various metacognitive tools.
Improves the academic performance
Since the strategy helps to establish independent learning, students can track their academic progress themselves. They can discover their shortcomings and strengths, as a result, they would work toward improving their performance. In addition, when teachers would guide them, the feedback will contribute to enhancing their academic performance.