Metacognition

Whenever I am helping a student brainstorm solutions to a problem, I try to find a way to help that student realize that this reflection is an opportunity to appreciate summoning a positive attitude trait inside or perhaps adopt a new way to foster a positive attitude for viewing the problem as an opportunity. Whether this conversation is a new topic about mindsets for the student or whether that student has had experience adopting mindsets, I try to find a way to make them realize that a reflection of their thinking, this metacognition moment, will help them when they encounter future challenges. In that spirit, metacognition is the gift that keeps on giving! Below is a metacognition journal that I did with a class that had students who needed this type of reflection as well as some students who had exhibited in several course evaluations a natural disposition to reflect on their learning. What do you think? Let me know if you have any suggestions to improve this activity.

---

We’re taking some time to reflect on how making new aims with respect to the writing process may impact how we read, engage, and pre-write for our writing tasks. The Crowsnest technology staff has been busy curating appropriate visual thinking models to make this an active reflection: https://www.pinterest.com/bill0353/ Click here for specific models for metacognition: https://www.pinterest.com/bill0353/metacognition/

Any suggestions on how to improve this exercise?

Metacognition Notebook: Recall how we defined metacognition in class when we described it as an awareness of one’s own thinking process or learning methodology. Now reflect on these questions and create a journal entry response titled “Week Seven” in a word document, which you should save as “Metacognition Journal.” You can create four little paragraphs to these four groups of questions, or you can decide upon another way to organize your thoughtful responses.

Part I: In 3-6 sentences minimum, explain your goals for improving your reading, writing, and participation (verbal) skills, and what are the specific steps you will take for improving each of these areas?

Part II: In 3-6 sentences minimum, what role will class time play in your development in each of these areas (reading, writing, communicating)? In other words, how will you sustain a specific habit you employ in class or perhaps what new habit will you start in order to utilize class time to refine a specific skill.

Part III: What good habits do you utilize when you complete the reading assignments for class? What new habits should you adopt to help you refine one of your skills (reading, writing, communicating)?

Part IV: What is your most recurring issue or problem with grammar and usage rules, e.g. run-on sentences, fragments, or coma rules? What website, video, or infographic will help you understand of recurring writing issue?