UO SSLP Resources - Metacognition

Metagcognition

Have you ever spent hours upon hours studying for a test, only to get a grade that was lower than you were hoping for? You may have no idea what went wrong. Sometimes, learning can feel like a total mystery. Some things come easy to us; others are a bit harder to grasp, even if you are trying hard. Have you ever considered that you might be able to “learn about learning”? There is a plethora of ways that we can refine our own learning process and become more aware of possible strategies for learning more efficiently, thoroughly, or intentionally. One of those is metacognition.

- Excerpt from Chapter 5 of "Learning How to Learn Languages" by Faith Adler, Cameron Keaton, Addi Orsi, Bibi Halima, & Keri Yerian

What is Metacognition?

Metacognition is often referred to as thinking about thinking. Defined by Scharff (2023), “Metacognition is the use of reflective awareness to make timely adjustments (self-regulation) to behaviors that support a goal-directed process” (para. 1). In other words, it is the act of understanding one’s own thought processes, and users of metacognition can analyze these processes and adjust their strategies to set themselves up for success. It allows learners in situations across the board to become more active participants in their own learning. In short, using metacognitive approaches can help us to unlock more of our learning potential.

- Excerpt from Chapter 5 of "Learning How to Learn Languages" by Faith Adler, Cameron Keaton, Addi Orsi, Bibi Halima, & Keri Yerian

"Learning How to Learn Languages" - Metacognition

Chapter 5 of "Learning How to Learn Languages" explains the importance of metacognition and guides students on how they can take charge of their own language learning. It looks at various metacognitive strategies that can not only be used in language learning, but also across a variety of subjects.

Read "Chapter 5: Metacognition and Metacognitive Strategies" here:

Learning How to Learn Languages

Created by Keli Yerian, Bibi Halima, Faith Adler, Logan Fisher, Cameron Keaton, Addy Orsi, and Abhay Pawar

Metacognitive Strategies Quick Reference Guide

Looking for quick ideas to strengthen metacognition skills? Refer to this guide for strategies you can use to help you reflect on how you learn and find ways to help you be an effective learner.

Cycle of Self-Directed Learning

Ask yourself the following quesions to help you manage your own learning:

Assess the task

What is the task at hand?
What are you expected to do?

Evaluate Strengths and Weaknesses

What are your strengths/weaknesses

Plan

How long will you need?
What resources will you need?

Apply strategies and monitor performance

Implement a plan of attack
Stay aware if it is working

Reflect and adjust if needed

How did it go?
What adjustments do you need to make?

Tips on Making Learning Your Own

Active & Collaborative Practice:

Build speaking and writing skills through role-plays, presentations, interviews, and meaningful interaction in a supportive learning community.

Metacognitive Learning Cycle:

Set SMART goals, monitor your progress, and reflect regularly on your language-learning process. (SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound)

Strategic Growth as a Learner:

Apply cognitive and metacognitive strategies, along with critical and creative thinking, to strengthen learning both in and beyond the classroom.

Metacognitive Strategies Videos

The Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS) at the University of Oregon is one of sixteen Title VI National Foreign Language Resource Centers across the United States. They develop reaserch-based curricula, professional development resources, and assessments to support innivative world language teaching and learning. Below are some of their educational videos that feature various metacognitive strategies that you can use to help you learn. Visit the CASLS Youtube page for more videos.

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