Metacognition
CPD: Talking To Parents about Learning (by Patrice Bain), topic 1.2.2
“Four Steps of Metacognition” - Example
Retrieval Cards
- 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.
Step 1
- 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
- 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
- Step 3 is the first time the student opens up a book or notes, finds the answer, and writes it down.
Step 4
- Step 4 is double-checking, verifying, that what they thought they knew is correct.
Observation
- 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.
Test yourself on Metacognition
What is "thinking about thinking?"