Metacognition

What is Metacognition?

Metacognition is thinking about your own thinking.

Often, in college, students work to complete homework, cram for exams, and then move on to the next topic of study, often without really checking to see if they truly understand the concepts.

Students who truly learn how to learn are doing more than that. They are using metacognitive skills to constantly ask themselves:

• How am I learning this?
• Is it working?
• What should I do differently?

Successful students engage in their learning by...

• making explicit connections between what they already know and what they are currently learning.
• previewing material before class and identifying what's confusing.
• examining whether or not their study techniques are working and what might need to change.

To be successful in classes, try one or more of these techniques:

• Start by treating homework as an assessment so you develop an accurate picture of your current skill level.
• Try teaching the material to someone else, specifically removing any jargon and explaining tough concepts in simple terms.
• Read the textbook! But don't just skim or highlight, use active reading to truly engage in the material.
• Discover other techniques such as focused study sessions, the learning cycle, and strategies for effective groupwork to increase your skills.

Information on this site has been adapted from learning strategies presented by the Louisiana State University Center for Academic Success, Catalyze Your Success at the University of Washington Department of Chemistry, and the book "Teach Students How to Learn" by Saundra Yancy McGuire, Stylus Publishing (2021).