Metacognition

“Four Steps of Metacognition” - Example

Have the definition on the card leaving the term blank (or vice versa).
Complete the card using the Four Steps of Metacognition (details follow).
Learners have the opportunity to retrieve the material and get the feedback as to accuracy.

Without the use of books or notes, a student makes the judgement of learning:
- Do I know this or not?
A simple star indicates “I know it;” a question mark reflects the answer isn’t known.

Step 2 is answering questions that are known.
This is an important step because sometimes we think we know an answer, but we don’t.

Step 3 is the first time the student opens up a book or notes, finds the answer, and writes it down.

Step 4 is double-checking, verifying, that what they thought they knew is correct.

Students should not change the question mark to a star after they get the right answer.
One of the purposes of the Four Steps is for students to make that judgment of learning and to readily identify the areas that require focus.
- Keeping with the original judgment aids the process.

1Talking to Parents about Learning

1.1How do we Learn?

1.1.1How do we Learn?

1.1.2Memory and the Brain

1.1.3Cognitive Overload & Desirable Difficulties

1.2Powerful Learning

1.2.1Retrieval Practice

1.2.2Metacognition

1.2.3Spacing

1.3Learning Tips for Home

1.3.1Learning Tips for Home

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