MODULE 1 Metacognition TAKE THE CHALLENGE

In this module, challenge yourself to:

Explain metacognition to a friend Determine if you are a novice or an expert learner Apply the metacognitive strategies in your own quest for learningIntroduction

Metacognition is such a long word. What does it mean? You will find this out in this module.

It is the first module so you get to understand it and apply it from the very beginning of the course.Activity

Answer the following questionnaire. Put a check to the column that best describes what is true to you.

PART 1

Always

(10)Sometimes

(5)Never

(0)Your Score

1. I exert effort to find out why I need to do a particular task.

2. I reward myself when I work.

3. I see to it that I give myself regular breaks from work.

4. I am able to keep my concentration and does not let my mind drift away.

5. I have ways of dealing with distractions.

6. I am willing to do the work I do not enjoy because I see it as important.

7. I seek clarification from the teacher about her expectations and standards.

8. I go to tutorials to improve my school work.

PART 2Always

(10)Sometimes

(5)Never

(0)Your Score

1. I make weekly timetable for the school work I need to accomplish.

2. I make a review schedule for examinations.

3. I plan to get the necessary resources and equipment prior to starting work.

4. I submit all m assignments on time.

5. I have a place to work where I wont be disturbed.

6. I have time for family commitments and relaxation as well as studying.

7. I prioritize tasks which should be done first, second and so on.

8. I make lists of things to do.

9. I make a list of valuable references with bibliographic details, page numbers and quotes and so on.

10. I review my work before submitting it.

PART 3Always

(10)Sometimes

(5)Never

(0)Your Score

1. I discuss work assignments with other students.

2. I share resources with other students.

3. I keep cuttings from newspapers and magazines which may be of help to me.

4. I make sure I see TV programs which may be useful.

5. I read the topic assigned before a session.

6. I ask questions and generally take part in group discussion.

7. I listen out for key ideas when someone is talking.

8. When I am listening to someone, I try to anticipate what they will say next.

PART 4Always

(0)Sometimes

(5)Never

(10)Your Score

1. I get so worried about assignments that they make me feel ill.

2. This worry about assignments makes me feel depressed.

3. I feel miserable about doing assignments.

4. I let these concerns about the work get on top of me.

5. When I need to work, others always succeed in persuading me to go out.

6. I have difficulty in talking to others about my worries.

7. I ignore my personal fitness through worrying about assignments.

8. The stress of assignments causes me to get behind and I never seem to catch up.

PART 5Always

(10)Sometimes

(5)Never

(0)Your Score

1. My notes indicate the main ideas, rather than merely repeat what has been said.

2. I listen for key ideas when listening to a speaker.

3. I approach tutors for help.

4. I organize or file my notes regularly.

5. I rewrite my notes under key ideas, headings, using numbering or lettering schemes.

6. I have a shorthand technique of my own.

7. I underline or highlight key ideas so they stand out.

8. I decide, before reading a book, whether it is vital or background reading.

9. I go over a book before diving into chapter one.

10. I check the contents page for relevance before reading a book.

11. I look for summaries at the end of chapters.

PART 6Always

(10)Sometimes

(5)Never

(0)Your Score

1. I see to it that I understand what is really being asked for in the assignment/project.

2. I read other references and read about the topic.

3. I make an outline/plan before doing my assignment/project.

4. I spell-check for spelling mistakes.

5. My essays have clear introductions.

6. My essays have a conclusion.

7. I frequently check back to the title during the writing of an essay.

8. My essays/research paper has a full set of references and a bibliography.

9. I review project/assignment before submitting it.

10. I request someone else to look at/read my project/assignment before submitting it.

Adapted from Bradford UniversitySCORING

The six parts of the questionnaire pertain to the following aspects of study habits:

Part 1 Motivation

Part 2 Organizing and planning our work

Part 3 Working with others; utilizing resources and feedback

Part 4 Managing school work stress

Part 5 Note-taking and reading

Part 6 Preparing an assignment/project

Use the scoring below.

Scoring for Part 1 Motivation

Score: 10Always

5Sometimes

0Never

Feedback:Scores from 55-80 mean that you do not appear to have many problems in getting down to work and keeping to it.

Scores from 35-55 mean that you sometimes get down to work but you can be distracted, you might not always be certain why you have to work. You probably could benefit from learning some techniques that help you get down to work more consistently and keep at it.

Scores of 35 and below signify that you really do have problems in getting down to work. Unless you develop skills in this area you are likely to have many unsatisfactory experiences as a student throughout your life. You need to take action.

Scoring for Part 2 Organizing and Planning Your Work

Score: 10Always

5Sometimes

0Never

Feedback:Scores from 70 100 mean you are well-organized and plan ahead for your work.

Scores from 40 69 mean you are not as well organized as you could be. Your time management might benefit from a closer analysis.

Scores of 39 and below mean you have little organization, probably deal with things as they happen, constantly doing things at the last minute, often not getting work completed. You need to take action.Scoring for Part 3 Working with Others; Utilizing Resources and Feedback

Score: 10Always

5Sometimes

0Never

Feedback: Scores from 55 85 mean you make full use of resources available, listen well and take an active part in seminars.

Scores from 35 55 mean you probably collect resources, but you need to ask yourself how you are going to use them more effectively.

Scores of 35 and below mean there are important resources around you are ignoring. You may not be hearing much of what is being said. You need to know what resources are available, and you need to find out where they are and what they have to offer. You need to take action.

Scoring for Part 4 Managing School Work Stress

Score: 10Never

5Sometimes

0Always

Feedback:Scores from 65 80 mean that although you sometimes get stressed and worried you have the skills of knowing how to minimize problems and look after yourself.

Scores from 40 64 mean that you handle your anxieties and concerns moderately well but could develop skills to manage them more effectively.

Scores of 39 and below mean that you are likely to get overwhelmed with your problems which will make you much less effective as a student. You need to acquire the skills of managing stress more effectively. You need to take action.

Scoring for Part 5 Note-Taking and Reading

Score: 10Always

5Sometimes

0Never

Feedback:Scores from 75 110 mean you prepare well and read efficiently, learning as you go. You waste little time reading irrelevant material.

Sores from 45 74 mean your reading and note-taking skills are adequate, but could be improved.

Scores of 44 and below mean your notes are likely to be of little use to you, if they exist at all. You spend a lot of time reading or sitting in but come home with very little. You need to become more selective in what you read or write down. You need to take action.

Scoring for Part 6 Preparing an Assignment/Project

Score: 10Always

5Sometimes

0Never

Feedback:Scores from 70 100 mean that your essays are well thought out, researched and clearly written.

Scores from 40 69 mean that there I room for improvement although you do demonstrate some skills.

Scores of 39 and below mean that you probably wonder why your essays always get such low marks. Resources and support are available to help you improve your essay writing skills. Take action now.

ANALYSISMy score in the study habits questionnaire.

Aspect of Study HabitMy ScoreInterpretation

Part 1 Motivation

Part 2 Organizing and Planning Your Work

Part 3 Working with Others, Utilizing Resources and Feedback

Part 4 Managing School Work and Stress

Part 5 Note-Taking and Reading

Part 6 Preparing an Assignment/Project

What did you discover about yourself using this questionnaire? What aspects are you strong in? What aspects do you need to improve in? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What to Do?

1. Research on the topic metacognition.2. Accomplish the form below.

3. Attach a copy of your research material. Cite your sources. Write your name on each page.

Name: _________________________________

Date: _______________

Educ. Web Search No.: _____________

Rating: _____________

__________________________________________

Topic

Interesting Facts About: ______________________________________________

A. Internet Websites I surfed for my research:

B. List of facts that I found interesting:

C. My Notes:

D. Implications to me as a future teacher:

FIVE-MINUTE NON-STOP WRITING ACTIVITYFrom the module on Metacognition, I learned that