Module 3: Metacognitive Learning

Module Introduction

Let's take a moment to review what we have learned so far, in Module 1 we learned about what metacognition means and also about personality types. We started to think about how this information can be used to help make us more effective and successful both at school and at home.

In Module 2, we invesitgated learning styles and multiple intelligences. We also started the process of utilizing learning styles to be more successful in class. In this Module, we will continue the process of learning about ourselves and also how we can use our natural talents and strengths to be more efficent and effective.

Tasks for this Module
* Learn about goals and goal setting
** Watch the videos: A Formula for Setting Goals and How to Write a SMART Goal
** Try setting a goal using the Interactive Goal Setting tool
* Investigate metacognitive approaches to learning activities
** Read the article on Developing Metacognition
* Apply goal setting and problem solving skills to real-world issues
* Complete Journal Entry #3

Activity 1: Setting SMART Goals

Having goals are important aspects to being successful and effective in the things that we do. Watch the video A Formula for Setting Goals. It is important to have an idea of what we want to see at the end of the paths we go down. It can be easy to set a goal, we just have to think about something we want to achieve, somethow we want to be, or something we want to have. But how do we know when a goal is good? What makes a good goal?

We are going to follow the SMART formula for setting goals. This formula helps us to understand what the elements are to setting a good, attainable goal and some considerations to think of when setting them.

SMART stands for:

S = Specific

M = Measurable

A = Attainable

R = Realistic

T = Timely/ Time Bound

Watch the following video to learn How to Write a SMART Goal

Activity 2: Writing SMART Goals

Now that we have learned 'why' it's important to have goals and 'how' to formulate good and attainable goals, it is time to practice writing goals.

Using the Interactive Goal Setting tool, think about and write 3 goals to include in your Personal Learning Plan. Write one goal for each area listed below and include your final product in your Personal Learning Plan:

• School
• Career (or future career)
• Personal

Think about where you want to be in a year, in two years, in five years. Use that vision to set your goals. If you get stuck; touch base with your advisor, a faculty member you have a good relationship with, or with a Dean. Sometimes it takes bouncing your thoughts off of someone else for your ideas and thoughts to become clear. If you have a high Interpersonal intelligence, this may be you.

Activity 3: The Metacognitive Learning Process

There are many different strategies for thinking and learning through metacognition. To review what metacognition is and learn about some of the approaches for acquiring and revining your metacognitive skills, read the article on Developing Metacognition

Can you think of experiences you have had in class, at work or at home when you have used a metacognitive strategy? If not, can you think of an oppportunity for you to use a metacognitive strategy?

Activity 4: Applying Metacognitive Strategies

As we read in Activity 3, there are three basic strategies for learning metacognitively:

1. Connecting new information to former knowledge.
2. Selecting thinking strategies deliberately.
3. Planning, monitoring, and evaluating thinking processes.

(Blakely & Spence)

By applying these strategies to a project in one of your current classes, you will be able to better understand not only what they mean, but how they work

Complete the File:Metacognitive Strategies Worksheet.pdf and review it with the instructor for the course you have selected before including it in your Personal Learning Plan.

Activity 5: Journal Entry

Putting it all together, what you have learned throughout this module. This Journal entry will be a free writing opportunity for you to reflect on what you knew about your learning process and strategies before, what you have learned about your learning process and strategies while working through the activities in this module and what aspects of learning strategies you want to learn more about as we move on. Complete File:MSSCSJournal3.pdf and review it with your advisor in preparation for moving on to Module 4.

Go to Module 4: Metacognitive Strategies for Reading and Writing

Go back to Metacognitive Study Strategies for College Students