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Friday, 10 September 2010
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Habits of Mind Introductory series - 3. Thinking about your Thinking (Metacognition)
Written by Ana Maria Fernandez   
Monday, 09 November 2009 12:36
Article Index
Habits of Mind Introductory series
1. Persisting
2. Listening with Understanding and Empathy
3. Thinking about your Thinking (Metacognition)
4. Finding Humor
5. Thinking Flexibly
All Pages
Page 4 of 6

 

3. Thinking about your Thinking (Metacognition)

 

“It occurs in the neocortex, metacognition is our ability to know what we know and what we don't know. It is our ability to plan a strategy for producing what information is needed, to be conscious of our own steps and strategies during the act of problem solving, and to reflect on and evaluate the productiveness of our own thinking.”

 

You need to develop a plan of action with your thought.

Be aware of your own thoughts, strategies, feelings and actions.

Describe your thinking process and keep record of it. Re-visit your records to reflect on how you are thinking.

  1. What did you do first?
  2. What steps did you follow when you where uncertain of your decisions?
  3. How did you define your course of action?
  4. If you were to do this again, what would you do differently? Why?

Reflecting about your thinking helps you to identify what you know and need to know, your attitude and pre-dispositions and it enhances your ability to create strategies to be a better thinker.

 

Always ask your self:

  • How do you know you are right?
  • What other ways can you use that are also correct?

 

When thinking about your thinking:

  • Avoid making judgments
  • Avoid making justifications and excuses
  • Stay focused on your thinking process

 

Parents:

While  theory says" inner language," thought starts in most children around age five, I will argue that new research will soon proof that children are capable of thinking about their thinking earlier than five years old. It is a matter of adult’s expectations, example and motivation to do so. Anyway, metacognition is a key attribute of formal thought flowering about age eleven. But it needs to be trained and encouraged.

 

  • Start by following the steps above for yourself.
  • Model your thinking and metacognitive process.
  • Ask your children the above questions but be sure not to be judgmental or directive in the way you expect their answers.

 

AND MOST OF ALL:

  • Question them with honest interest for learning about their thinking process. In doing so, you will not only learn about them but promote their metacognitive skills helping them acquire a very important Habit of Mind.