Understanding metacognition: a superpower for your brain
Studying can be time-consuming, but how do you know if you're doing it right?
Unlike baking a cake, where the results are obvious, judging the effectiveness of your study sessions requires a special skill: metacognition.
It's like having a superpower for your brain.
Imagine taking a quiz and realizing you missed a few questions. That's when metacognition kicks in: you think about why you got those answers wrong and plan how to do better next time.
It's like a self-check for your brain.
Reflecting on your study habits
Nobody knows your brain better than you.
When you're thinking metacognitively, ask yourself: what did I get right? What did I get wrong?
Focus less on the stuff you already know and more on the things that need more work. Then, make a plan to tackle those areas.
Planning to study involves more than finding a time or a place. Both are important, but planning how you will study is important too.
Depending on your goal, you might need to adapt your approach. Studying for multiple choice exams may look different from when you studying for open text exams.
It is important to have the awareness to know the difference between your approaches to your different goals.
Using metacognition to enhance study skills
Good study skills like time management, active reading, and understanding essential subjects are tools for studying smarter. You can use metacognition for these skills too.
Ask yourself questions like, "am I managing my time well?" or "am I understanding this material?" Reflecting on your skills helps you become a more strategic learner.
Self-reflection doesn't have to be complicated. Just write down your strengths and weaknesses in a specific skill. After using that skill, see if your predictions were right.
Celebrate your wins, but don't let setbacks get you down. Use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Building a support network
While you're the expert on your thinking, you might need some help. Find experts who can guide you. Create a network of people who can support you, like peers, teachers, or study coaches.
Peer support can be really helpful. They can point out common mistakes and keep you on track. Together with teachers and other professionals, they can form a strong network to help you study better.
By using metacognition, you can transform from a passive learner into an active, strategic one. You can build a strong foundation, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and achieve your academic goals.
TL;DR: Metacognition is the ability to think about your thinking. You can become a more effective and strategic learner by reflecting on your study habits and making adjustments.
Building a network of support can also help you succeed.
3 practical exercises to practice metacognition with Glean
- Post-study self-assessment: After each study session, take 5 minutes to evaluate what you learned and what areas you struggled with. Type two things you understood well and one concept that needs more review on your Glean notes. This practice can help you target areas for improvement.
- Quiz Me: After a lecture, with your recorded notes, generate a Quiz Me and see how much you can remember with clarity. Make tasks to review the topics you didn't get right. This will help prevent surprises in a real test!
- Peer review sessions: Partner with a classmate and review each other's notes or practice quizzes. Discuss how you approached studying the material and exchange feedback on what you did well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to refine your study methods.
