Metacogntition | english

Metacognition

When learners believe in themselves, they are much more motivated and have much higher rates of success. Motivation is complex, but Ambrose et al. (2010) characterize it as having three important components: student perception of value of learning/task; the learning environment (supportive and effective teaching and learning); belief in ability to succeed.

Learners need to made aware of the purpose of tasks, and these need to be explicitly linked to future learning/goals.. For learning to be most beneficial, it needs to occur in a supportive environment, and this includes the classroom as well as the learners' minds. When we are stressed, our brains produce cortisol and this affects how we learn. Excess cortisol can impede both short and long-term memory. The fight/flight response is also activated, and this limits the ability to focus. Learners also need to realize that they have considerable power over their learning and how they attribute their successes and setbacks; if they take ownership and realize success in learning is about effort rather than innate ability, they will feel more motivated.

Hobson (2001) found that the instructor's attitude accounted for 27% of positive student motivation and course structure accounted for a further 23%.

From: McGuire, S. (2015) Teach Students How to Learn. Stylus Publishing.