Metacognition, often referred to as thinking about thinking, is a fascinating concept that has captured the attention of psychological researchers and educators for many years. She refers to the ability to reflect on our own cognitive processes, to understand how we think, learn, and make decisions. Let's explore this complex concept and how it relates to vocational training !
What is metacognition?
Metacognition is divided into two main components: the metacognition of knowledge and the metacognition of regulation.
- The metacognition of knowledge : it concerns the knowledge we have of our own mental processes. It means that we are aware of our own skills, of what we know, and of what we don't know. For example, when you realize that you are good at math but have trouble with history, these are examples of metacognition of knowledge.
- The metacognition of regulation : This component refers to the ability to manage our cognitive processes. This involves planning how we're going to approach a task, monitoring our progress as we work on that task, and adjusting our strategies as needed.
The importance of metacognition
Metacognition is essential in many aspects of our lives, especially in learning. Understanding how we learn best, what strategies work best, and how to monitor our own understanding are key skills for success in education.
Metacognition is also important in decision making: By looking at how we make rulings and by evaluating the validity of our own thoughts, we can make more informed decisions.
Metacognition also allows us to better understand our emotions, preferences, and values, which can contribute to a more balanced and satisfying life.
Metacognition in education
Incorporating metacognition into education is critical to helping students learn independently and effectively. Teachers can encourage metacognition by asking reflexive questions: how did you solve this task?” or “What did you learn from this experience?” , in this way, teachers help students reflect on their own learning process.
Teachers can also teach students strategies to monitor their own understanding, plan their studies, and assess their progress. They can also encourage feedback, which means helping students better understand their mistakes and adjust their approach.
Metacognition is a powerful tool to improve our thinking, our learning, our problem solving, our decision making, and our personal development. By understanding how we think beyond our thoughts, we can become more thoughtful and autonomous individuals, ready to take on the challenges of daily life and to pursue the path of knowledge and learning.
