UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

“Managing and Caring for the Self”

In the context of learning, studies show that when you are able to think about how you
think, how you process information, and how you utilize techniques while you are
studying, you have a higher chance of improving your learning process than those who
do not reflect on their methods.

METACOGNITION

It is commonly defined as “thinking about thinking”. It is the awareness of the scope and
limitations of your current knowledge and skills.
Metacognition is also not limited to the thinking process of the individual. It is also
includes keeping one’s emotions and motivations while learning in check.
Metacognition basically has two aspects: 1. Self-appraisal and 2. Self-management of
cognition.

Self-appraisal

- It is your personal reflection on your knowledge and capabilities.

- Metacognitive knowledge.
- SWOT

Several variables that affect how you know or assess yourself as a thinker.

 Personal variable
 Task variable
 Strategy variable

Example: “I know that I (person variable) have difficulty with word problems (task variable), so
I will answer the computational problems first and save the word problems for last (strategy
variable).

“I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
 UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Self-management

- It is the mental process you employ using what you have in planning and adapting
to successfully learn or accomplish a certain task.
- Metacognition regulation.

SKILLS THAT CAN HELP YOU EXERCISE YOUR METACOGNITION

1. Knowing your limits – honest and accurate evaluation.

2. Modifying your approach – recognition that your strategy is not appropriate.
3. Skimming – keywords, phrases, or sentences.
4. Rehearsing – personal interpretation or summary.
5. Self-Test – test your comprehension.

FOUR TYPES OF METACOGNITIVE LEARNERS

1. “Tacit” learners – they are unaware of their metacognitive processes although they know
the extent of their knowledge.
2. “Aware” learners – they know some of their metacognitive strategies but they do not
plan on how to use these techniques.
3. “Strategic” learners – strategies and plan their course of action toward a learning
experience.
4. “Reflective” learners – reflect on their thinking while they are using strategies and adapt
metacognitive skills depending on their situation.

“As you may have noticed, the goal of metacognition is for the student to be a self-regulated learner.
Education should NOT be limited by the capabilities of the teacher, the content of the school textbooks,
the four corners of the classroom, and the duration of the academic year or courses.”

“I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13