METACOGNITION TEACHING STRATEGIES

On this page, we will cover:

Why Teach Metacognition?
Want to Try This Teaching Intervention in Your Class?
Additional Resources

Why Teach Metacognition?

Saundra McGuire lecturing at a podium In December 2016, Faculty Development invited Dr. Saundra McGuire to CSUN to speak with faculty, staff, and administrators about how we can implement metacognitive and growth mindset oriented changes in our work so that students may be successful.

The ability to think about one’s thinking is known as metacognition. For a learner, this means having awareness about one's own thought processes and having the power to recognize whether one is understanding the material or just memorizing it.

Some students began practicing metacognitive skills in high school, some students began practicing in University 100, and some have arrived in college never having learned how to learn. However, for all students it is important to adopt a growth mindset and realize that metacognitive skills can be developed over time with practice.

Want to Try This Teaching Intervention in Your Class?

Template

Access Saundra McGuire's intervention templates (including a video of her doing the intervention) to use & adapt for your courses.

CSUN Examples

Shared by faculty who adapted McGuire's presentation template for their CSUN courses:

Additional Resources

Resources for Faculty

Teach Students How to Learn: Strategies You Can Incorporate Into Any Course to Improve Student Metacognition, Study Skills, and Motivation by Saundra Y. McGuire with Stephanie McGuire

Dr. McGuire's book empowers faculty to try small concrete strategies.

For the perspective of a faculty member who has tried McGuire's intervention, read this book review of Teach Students How to Learn on the Improve with Metacognition website.

Study Tips to Share with Students

Learning Strategies Inventory — an activity to guide dialogue with students about student techniques
Learning Scientists website — short videos for students on how to study effectively using evidence-based practices
Dr. Saundra McGuire talks about The Study Cycle (YouTube video)
CSUN's Learning Resource Center has more study tips videos to help them in multiple areas