Metacognition & Self-Regulated Learning Help students learn how to learn. Metacognition Teaching Practices offer explicit opportunities for students to reflect upon, assess, and modify their learning strategies and processes. While learning can be a subconscious or unconscious cognitive process, instructors can create opportunities for students to develop language and tools that they can use to develop learning goals, monitor progress, and evaluate the learning strategies they are deploying to achieve those goals. Students who are taught and guided through metacognition gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and an improved ability to retain and apply subject matter outside of the classroom. Furthermore, metacognition supports self-regulated learning, a skill key to long-term persistence. When students encounter challenges throughout their lifetime, the principles of metacognition give them the tools to reflect, strategize, and problem-solve their approach to learning. Key Dimensions ofMetacognition & Self-Regulated Learning Modeling learning tools and strategies Professors demonstrate and provide examples of effective learning tools and strategies that students can use to enhance their metacognitive skills. This modeling helps students grasp how to apply metacognitive techniques in their own learning. Practicing metacognition Students are given regular opportunities to practice metacognition by reflecting on their learning processes, setting goals, and assessing their strategies for achieving those goals. These exercises help students internalize metacognitive skills and apply them in various learning contexts. Self-regulated learning The culmination of metacognition is self-regulated learning, where students become adept at monitoring their own learning, adapting their study strategies, and problem-solving when faced with challenges. This skill enables them to persist in their learning endeavors and transfer their knowledge effectively beyond the classroom. Teaching about metacognition Students gain an understanding of what metacognition is and why it matters. Professors provide explicit explanations of key cognitive processes, teaching students the concept of metacognition and its role in improving learning outcomes. Instructional Examples & Submissions Instructional Examples The Instructional Example Library features a wide range of digitally enabled examples sourced directly from instructors who are using technology to implement evidence-based teaching practices in their courses. These examples focus primarily on math, chemistry, and statistics gateway courses, but are applicable across disciplines. Visit the Instructional Example Library Have an Example of Your Own? Help us build our Instructional Example Library! We are looking for contributions from higher education instructors across disciplines who use technology to enable evidence-based teaching practices. To learn more and to submit an example, please visit the form page linked below. Thank you for helping us support the field. Submit an Example Further Reading “Improving Learning Outcomes and Metacognitive Monitoring: Replacing Traditional Textbook Readings with Question-Embedded Videos” demonstrates the benefits of metacognition through student impact data. The Equity Accelerator offers suggestions for a general psychologically-attuned approach to constructing assessment wrappers that bookend assessments with metacognitive practices in “Creating An Attuned Assessment Wrapper.” This develops students’ ability to reflect on their strategies in preparing for assessment both proactively and retroactively. In “Using Journaling as a Metacognitive Activity,” Penn State shares examples of self-reflective journaling exercises professors can incorporate into their courses. Explore Another Practice Active Learning Decrease professor lecture time and increase student participation in learning. Learn More Assessing & Activating Prior Knowledge Determine what students already know and integrate their experiences into learning. Learn More Data-Informed Instruction Adjust instruction based on real-time student data Learn More Formative Assessment & Practice Deploy a frequent, low-stakes way to monitor student learning. Learn More Fostering a Sense of Belonging Create safer and more welcoming spaces for learning. Learn More Instructional Transparency Share the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind instructional decisions. Learn More Peer Collaboration Create opportunities for students to support each other’s learning. Learn More
