Updated: March 19, 2021

Metacognition is a critical part of the learning process. It is actually just the act of thinking about thinking. Students need to learn to pause and evaluate what they are doing during the learning process. The best part about improving metacognition is that the students can transfer it to other aspects of their lives.  This can help them to figure out their strengths and weaknesses so that they can improve and grow.

For example, a student is trying to design a boat that will float while holding 4 quarters. If the student sees that the boat is already starting to sink before adding the quarters, the student should take a minute and realize that he or she might need a new plan. Now once the student knows to rethink what he or she is doing in a science class, he or she should be able to apply that skill to a math class, social studies class, or even an art class. Now that same student is painting an art project and can’t seem to get the paint color correct. Instead of adding more of the same paints or just repainting it, the student might look to see what is causing the problem.

Now the student is working at his or her first job and needs to know whether or not they understand the assignment and how to accomplish it. These same basic reflection skills can be transferred to any aspect of a person’s life.  Therefore it is important to help the students develop these skills at an early age so they can perfect them as they get older.

Students that use metacognition and reflect on what they are learning do better in school and waste less time getting frustrated by using the wrong method.  However, students need to be taught these skills and develop them over time.  The students should begin by thinking about what prior knowledge they have on a topic and what they still need to learn.  Then throughout the learning process, the students should continue to ask themselves questions about how well they understand the material and if they need to study or review the material.

Written By: Stephanie Dunaieff