Metacognition: What It Is and On a regular basis Examples

Metacognition refers to a series of processes geared toward becoming aware of 1’s considering. Let’s learn more about it.

Checked and approved by psychologist Elena Sanz.

Last actualisation: March 11, 2023

Metacognition is an idea that has change into popular in recent times. Indeed, in fields reminiscent of psychology or pedagogy, it is usually mentioned, not to say its use within the media and news articles. Even though it has never been talked about as much because it does now, in practice only a few know what it’s. Today we are going to attempt to make clear any questions with specific examples.

It is usually considered an exclusive human ability, but some experts identified that there’s evidence of comparable processes in some animals. Let or not it’s that way, will likely be understood as a process fascinated about considering. Let’s see what’s true about it, why it is necessary and what advantages it brings in people’s on a regular basis lives.

What is metacognition?

Metacognition is the flexibility to reflect on the thought processes that allow us to interpret reality. It can also be the flexibility to manage, monitor, evaluate and regulate them to the extent that they interfere with cognitive processes. Hence the development of the word (meta is a Greek prefix that refers to something “beyond”).

What we understand today as metacognition has its roots in ideas John H. Flavell. Since then, many theories have emerged that try to elucidate the event of those processes, all from a specific school (the contribution made by constructivism is especially beneficial). To higher understand this, we’d like to specify two ideas that govern this process:

• Metacognitive knowledge: This alludes to what people learn about their very own cognitive processes. For example, the knowledge they’ve about their abilities and skills to perform certain tasks. It also means knowing strategies to enhance these skills and talents.
• Metacognitive regulation: This includes the positive actions people absorb relation to those cognitive processes and techniques. This is said to monitoring and is about differentiating results. For example, realizing that a specific strategy used to strengthen skills (or weaknesses) is just not effective.

Stages or phases

Metacognition phases are sometimes referred to. Each theory and writer has established different phases, but generally we are able to distinguish 4: planning, monitoring, evaluation and reflection. Each of those phases is significant and interconnects to consolidate what experts call metacognition.

This process involves a high level of awareness in regards to the tasks performed, in addition to probably the most appropriate strategies to voluntarily control these processes. Flavell’s initial theory was this metacognition has change into a natural mechanism for coping with mistakes. By actively reflecting on them, an individual can learn and change into more efficient.

So we return to the definition we gave originally: metacognition is fascinated about considering . These words summarize in easy terms the complete systematic framework involved within the metacognitive process. It is just not only a process that develops within the early stages of man, but one which accompanies him throughout his life.

Implications of metacognition for learning

Metacognition is usually considered a really abstract concept that has no place in point of fact. This is clearly a misconception since it has been actively utilized in learning processes for years. In fact, it is rather likely that you just implement metacognitive strategies on a every day basis without knowing it. Let’s have a look at three illustrative examples:

Learning a second language

For the last decade or two second language curricula contain metacognitive paradigms. Nothing unusual. In fact, experts AND researchers identified that this can be a very useful technique to support the acquisition of a recent language.

In short, incorporating metacognitive processes into language learning helps overcome a barrier that stops many students from continuing their studies. Reflecting on one’s own learning strategies, being aware of strengths and weaknesses, learning to administer the method, and evaluating results objectively could make a noticeable difference.

Improving musical skills

As within the previous case, music is usually a difficult area of ​​study for many individuals. Even amongst those that are eager about it, it may possibly be a bit complicated to assimilate a number of the ideas of music theory. Studies AND tests have shown that metacognition can speed up the educational of musical concepts.

This has consequences for college kids, for individuals who wish to learn to play an instrument, and in fact for individuals who dedicate themselves to music professionally. The advantages are felt within the short term and increase with regular use of the processes.

Greater understanding of math

At last, experts AND researchers also support the usage of metacognition to enhance math skills. Mathematics is usually certainly one of the areas of study that causes probably the most rejections, which is usually as a result of the approach or learning strategy used.

Thanks to those methods, you may understand mathematics otherwise, and you may select alternative learning models to attain effective results. In this manner, the implementation of the method can contribute to improving the teaching and skills of scholars.

Applications of metacognition in on a regular basis life

It could be very likely that what now we have said to this point has helped you understand what metacognition is not an idea on a theoretical level with none real implication.

But you most likely think that the three above examples don’t apply to you, e.g. learning a recent language, music theory or solving math problems. Here are another uses of metacognition in on a regular basis life:

• Improves decision making
• It promotes critical considering
• It means that you can avoid stagnation or repeating patterns that don’t bring any results
• It means that you can practice empathy and otherness (through the so-called social metacognition).
• It can boost your self-esteem by discovering your skills and talents.
• It’s the proper strategy to cultivate success.
• It prevents setbacks or mistakes that condition what you may achieve.
• It allows have control over your emotions and feelings.

There continues to be much to be explored regarding the implications of those processes in addition to how they may be used to our advantage. Its usefulness is felt beyond the tutorial setting because it explores ideas as diverse as self-esteem and the way we relate to others.

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