Reading and Writing – Lesson 3: Metacognitive Strategies in Reading

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to metacognitive reading strategies introduced in Lesson 3.

Metacognition

defined as “being conscious of one’s own mental processes” (Gunning, 1996, p. 225) which, in reading, includes one’s ability as a reader to plan, check, monitor, revise, and evaluate his/her unfolding comprehension.

Metacognitive Strategies

These are techniques that readers employ to monitor their understanding of a text. They involve actively engaging with the material, rather than passively consuming it.

Strategic Reader

A reader who deliberately uses metacognitive strategies to understand and learn from texts.

Making Connections

Relating the text to personal experiences, other texts, or real-world events to deepen comprehension.

Asking Questions

Posing queries before, during, and after reading to clarify meaning, evaluate ideas, and predict outcomes.

Monitoring and Fix-Up

Checking ongoing understanding while reading and applying corrective actions such as rereading or adjusting pace.

Synthesizing

Combining new information from the text with prior knowledge to form an updated, coherent understanding.

Previewing

Scanning titles, headings, or first sentences to get an overview of a text before full reading.

Predicting

Using titles, covers, or prior knowledge (schema) to guess what the text will discuss.

Activating Prior Knowledge

Recalling what you already know about a topic to connect it with new information in the text.

Setting a Purpose

Determining why you are reading—such as for information, analysis, or enjoyment—to guide strategy use.

Identifying Main Idea and Details

Recognizing the central message of a passage and the supporting information that explains it.

Summarizing

Condensing the most important ideas of a text into one’s own words after reading.

Reflecting

Thinking about what was learned from the text and how it relates to existing knowledge or experiences.

Evaluating

Judging a text’s credibility, usefulness, and overall quality after reading.