Metacognition – Facilitating Learning (Module 1)

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms and strategies related to metacognition from Module 1 of Facilitating Learning.

Metacognition

Awareness, understanding, and regulation of one’s own thinking and learning processes; literally “thinking about thinking.”

John Flavell

Cognitive psychologist who coined the term “metacognition” (1979–1987).

Knowledge of Person Variables

Understanding how people (including oneself) best learn and process information, e.g., preferring to study early morning or in a quiet library.

Knowledge of Strategy Variables

Awareness of the learning strategies one can select and apply to a task.

Meta-attention

Self-awareness of strategies used to sustain and direct attention on a learning task.

Meta-memory

Awareness of the memory strategies that work best for oneself.

Huitt’s Metacognitive Questions

A set of reflective questions (e.g., What do I know? How much time will I need? How will I spot errors?) that guide planning, monitoring, and evaluating learning.

TQLR

A metacognitive listening strategy: Tune In, Question, Listen, Remember.

T (Tune In)

The learner readies attention and signals readiness to learn.

Q (Question – TQLR)

Learner thinks of or receives questions about upcoming content.

L (Listen)

Learner actively focuses on and processes the incoming information.

R (Remember – TQLR)

Learner applies techniques to retain the newly learned material.

PQ4R

A metacognitive reading/study strategy: Preview, Question, Read, Recite, Review, Reflect.

P (Preview)

Scanning the entire chapter or material before detailed reading.

Q (Question – PQ4R)

Posing or noting guiding questions about the topic before reading.

R (Read)

Reading the text while attending to sub-headings and clarifying unknown terms.

R (Recite)

Answering earlier questions aloud or in writing to reinforce learning.

R (Review)

Checking comprehension and revisiting unclear sections after reading.

R (Reflect)

Thinking deeply about the material’s meaning and personal relevance.

Prior Knowledge

Existing information or experience that influences and supports the development of metacognitive knowledge.