Metacognition and Reflection – Study Notes

Metacognition

  • Definition: Metacognition is a series of thought processes including
    • Understanding problems
    • Brainstorming solutions
    • Analyzing the techniques and strategies used to solve problems
    • Awareness of the processes of how an answer is found
    • Ability to apply these processes to new situations
  • Self-reflexivity
    • Ability to think about how you think and know
    • Linked to more effective learning
    • Preliminary to deep, transformative knowledge
    • Includes reflecting on learning and composing creative work
  • Cultivation
    • Metacognitive skills are developed through learning by doing and reflection

Reflection

  • You likely already used metacognitive skills in this unit such as solving the prompt to write a place narrative via research, brainstorming, and experimentation; revision and development
  • In assignment 3 you will develop and edit your story and reflect on the process; reflection happens through writing as well as thinking
  • Reflective prompt What What happened What did you do and what techniques did you use
  • So what What did you learn, what worked or did not, why, and how did your thinking and writing change; evaluate the effectiveness of your creative response
  • Now what What will you do next, areas to improve, and questions to pursue

Documenting writing processes

  • Virginia Woolf diary extracts show metacognition through identification of problems, brainstorming, and consideration of techniques such as point of view and the relation to the narrator
  • Journaling documents how you write and serves as a tool for reflection
  • Notable line: how do I know what I think until I see what I say
  • Journaling as a habit supports assignment 3 and forms the foundation of study in creative writing
  • In postgraduate study, many programs use a creative work plus an exegesis; self-reflection on the writing process is central to the exegesis
  • In this course and other units such as Writing Creative Non-fiction and Writing Short Fiction, reflective exegesis is used; the assessment helps prepare for further study

Exegesis and further study

  • Exegesis is the reflective component that accompanies a creative work in postgraduate programs
  • Keeping a journal and self-reflexivity are essential methods in creative writing research
  • The unit prepares you for advanced study by developing reflective writing practices