3.1.3

Metacognitive Control

Test yourself

Metacognitive Control

Metacognitive control is the action a learner takes based upon their metacognitive knowledge and monitoring.

Illustrative background for ActionIllustrative background for Action ?? "content

Action

  • If the metacognitive monitoring process causes a student to notice that something is not going well, metacognitive control is the action or change that they undertake in order to tackle that problem.
  • It could involve changing their approach or strategy in some way.
  • Example: if a learner says “I’m stuck” then they have engaged in metacognitive monitoring, and if they say “now I’m going to give up” then they have engaged in a form of metacognitive control!
Illustrative background for TeachersIllustrative background for Teachers ?? "content

Teachers

  • Teachers will want to guide learners to more productive forms of metacognitive control than simply giving up.
  • Some of the most important ones include:
    • Trying a different approach to the task.
    • Allocating more time to the task.
    • Asking a partner for help.
    • Asking a teacher or classroom assistant to show them the technique again.
    • Re-reading instructions or watching a help video.

How does Metacognition Play Out in Learning Situations?

Let’s look at a couple of concrete examples of how these three types of metacognition – knowledge, monitoring and control – play out in learning situations.

Illustrative background for Example 1Illustrative background for Example 1 ?? "content

Example 1

  • Let’s think about a 12-year-old learner who is tackling a long division sum as revision. He can’t quite remember what to do (metacognitive knowledge), and so he watches a YouTube revision video.
Illustrative background for Example 1Illustrative background for Example 1 ?? "content

Example 1

  • Now the child is calculating the sum. He makes an error, but quickly realises it (metacognitive monitoring).
Illustrative background for Example 1Illustrative background for Example 1 ?? "content

Example 1

  • The child goes back and fixes the error (metacognitive control).
Illustrative background for Example 1Illustrative background for Example 1 ?? "content

Example 1

  • The child realises that he is still finding these problems difficult (metacognitive monitoring) and chooses to complete another one for practice (metacognitive control).

Jump to other topics

1Basic Concepts About Metacognition

1.1Thinking About Thinking

2Practical Implications for Learners

3Areas of Metacognition

4Teacher Metacognition

4.1Teacher Metacognition

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium