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Teach Students How to Learn: Metacognition is The Key! Saundra Yancy McGuire, Ph.D.
A
Asst. Vice Chancellor Vi Ch
ll & Professor of Chemistry
&P f
f Ch i
Past Director, Center for Academic Success
Louisiana State Universityy
2004-2005
2004
2005 N
National
i lC
College
ll
L
Learning
i C
Center A
Association
i i
Frank L. Christ Outstanding Learning Center Award
Desired outcomes
• We will understand why many students do not
know how to learn
g strategies
g
that
• We will have concrete learning
faculty can teach students to increase
metacognitive learning
• We
W will
ill h
have more resources ffor our students
t d t
• We will view our students differently
• We will see positive changes in our students’
students
performance and self-perception
• We will spend time reflecting on improving our
teaching and our students’ learning
Metacognition
The ability to:
 think about one’s own thinking
 be
be consciously aware of oneself as a consciously aware of oneself as a
problem solver
 monitor, plan, and control one’s mental i
l
d
l
’
l
processing (e.g. “Am I understanding this material, or just memorizing it?
material, or just memorizing
it?”))
 accurately judge one’s level of learning
Flavell, J. H. (1976). Metacognitive aspects of problem solving. In L. B. Resnick (Ed.), The nature of intelligence (pp.231‐236). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum Why don’t most students know y
how to learn or how to study?
According to data from the entering class of 2011 *
entering class of 2011...
• It wasn’t necessary in high school
‐ 60.5% of 2011 (down from 63% in 2010) 60 5% f 2011 (d
f
63% i 2010)
entering first year students spent less than six hours per week doing homework in 12th grade. grade
‐ 49.7% of these students said they graduated from high school with an “A” average.*
• Students’ confidence level is high
‐ 70.9 % believe their academic ability is 70.9 % believe their academic ability is
above average or in the highest 10 percent among people their age
*2011 Higher Education Research Institute Study
How do you think most students would answer the following?
would answer the following?
 What did most of your teachers in high h did
f
h i hi h
school do the day before the test?
 What did they do during this activity?
 What grade would you have made on the test if you had gone to class only
on the day before the test?
Faculty Must Help Students Make the Transition to College
Make the Transition to College
Help students identify and close “the gap” current behavior
current grades
efficacious behavior
desired grades
Reflection Questions
Reflection Questions
• Wh
What’s the difference, if any, between ’ h diff
if
b
studying and learning?
• For
For which task would you study more?
which task would you study more?
A. Make an A on the test
B. Teach the material to the class
Turn Students into Expert Learners:
Teach Them Metacognitive L
Learning Strategies!
i S
i !
The Story of Three Students
 Travis, junior psychology student
j
py
gy
47, 52, 82, 86
B in course
• Maryam, first year art student
57, 87
B in course
 Dana, first year physics student
80 54 91 97 90 (final)
80, 54, 91, 97, 90 (final)
A in course
A in course
How’d They Do It?
 They used metacognitive strategies
 They began thinking about their thinking
 They focused on learning instead of grades
Travis, junior psychology student
Travis
47, 52, 82, 86
Problem: Reading Comprehension
Solution: Preview text before reading
Develop questions
paragraph
g p at a time
Read one p
and paraphrase information
Maryam, freshman art student
Maryam
57, 87
Problem: Not seeing the underlying
structure of different types of art
Solution: Focus on characteristics of different
artists’ work in order to indentifyy the
painter of an unfamiliar piece of art
Dana, first year physics student
Dana
80, 54, 91, 97, 90 (final)
Problem: Memorizing formulas and using
www.cramster.com
Solution: Solve problems with no external
aids and test mastery of concepts
Center for Academic Success
Transform Learning. Maximize Performance.
Why the Fast and Dramatic Increase?
IIt’s all about the strategies, and ’ ll b
h
i
d
ggetting them
g
to engage their brains!
g g
Counting Vowels in 45 seconds
How accurate are you?
y
Count all the vowels in the words on the next slide.
Dollar Bill
Dice
Tricycle
F
Four‐leaf Clover
l f Cl
Hand
Six‐Pack
Seven Up
Seven‐Up
Octopus
Cat Lives
Bowling Pins
Bowling Pins
Football Team
D
Dozen Eggs
E
Unlucky Friday
y
y
Valentine’s Day
Quarter Hour
Quarter Hour
How many words or phrases
do you remember?
y
Let’s look at the words again…
What are they arranged according to?
Dollar Bill
Dollar
Bill
Dice
Tricycle
Four‐leaf
Four
leaf Clover
Clover
Hand
Si P k
Six‐Pack
Seven‐Up
Octopus
Cat Lives
Cat
Lives
Bowling Pins
Football Team
Dozen Eggs
Dozen Eggs
Unlucky Friday
V l ti ’ D
Valentine’s Day
Quarter Hour
NOW, how many words or phrases NOW,
how many words or phrases
do you remember?
What were two major differences
between the two attempts?
1 We knew what the task was
1. We knew what the task was
2. We knew how the information k
h
h i f
i
was organized
g
Bransford, J.D., Brown, A.L., Cocking, R.R. (Eds.), 2000. How people learn: Brain, B
f d JD B
A L C ki R R (Ed ) 2000 H
l l
B i
Mind, Experience, and School. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
What we know about learning
 Active
Active learning is more lasting learning is more lasting
than passive learning
 Thinking about thinking is important
– Metacognition
 The
The level at which learning occurs level at which learning occurs
is important – Bloom’s Taxonomyy
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Anderson & Krathwohl
Krathwohl, 2001
http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Bloom's_Taxonomy
Evaluating
g
Carrying out or using a procedure through executing,
procedure through executing, or implementing.
Applying
pp y g
Understanding
Retrieving, recognizing, and recalling relevant k
knowledge from
l d f
long‐term memory.
Breaking material into constituent parts, determining how the
determining how the parts relate to one another and to an overall structure .
Constructing meaning from oral, written, and ggraphic messages through p
g
g
interpreting, exemplifying, classifying, summarizing, inferring, comparing, and explaining.
High School
Analyzing
y g
Putting elements together to g
g
form a coherent or functional whole; reorganizing elements into a new pattern or structure through generating,
planning or producing
planning, or producing.
Un
ndergraduate
Making judgments based on criteria and standards
criteria and standards through checking and critiquing.
Creating
Grad
duate School
Bloom’s
Taxonomy
This pyramid depicts the different levels of thinking we use when learning.
Notice how each level builds on the foundation that precedes it. It is
required that we learn the lower levels before we can effectively use the
skills above.
Remembering
http://www.odu.edu/educ/llschult/blooms_taxonomy.htm
When we teach students about
Bloom’s Taxonomy…
Th GET it!
They
i!
How students answered
At what level of Bloom’s did you have to operate
to make A’s or B’s in high school?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
5.
6.
Knowledge
Comprehension
Application
Analysis
S th i
Synthesis
Evaluation
35%
25%
21%
13%
1
2
3
4
3%
3%
5
6
How students answered
At what level of Bloom’s do you think you’ll need
to be to make an A in Chem 1201?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
5.
6.
Knowledge
Comprehension
Application
Analysis
Synthesis
Evaluation
35%
23%
15%
14%
7%
1
6%
2
3
4
5
6
How do we teach students to move How
do we teach students to move
higher on Bloom’s Taxonomy?
Teach them the Study Cycle*
y y
*adapted
adapted from Frank Christ
Christ’s
s PLRS system
Center for Academic Success
Transform Learning. Maximize Performance.
The Study Cycle
344
Reflect
Review
Reflect
Preview
Preview before class – Skim the chapter, note headings and boldface words, review summaries and chapter objectives, and come up with questions you’d like the lecture to answer for you. Attend
d
Attend class – GO TO CLASS! Answer and ask questions and take meaningful notes. Review
R i
Review after class – As soon after class as possible, read notes, fill in gaps and note any questions.
Study
Assess
Study – Repetition is the key. Ask questions such as ‘why’, ‘how’, and ‘what if’.
I t
St d S i * 3‐5 short study sessions per day
35 h t t d
i
d
• Intense Study Sessions* ‐
• Weekend Review – Read notes and material from the week to make connections
Assess your Learning – Periodically perform reality checks
• Am I using study methods that are effective?
• Do I understand the material enough to teach it to others?
Do I understand the material enough to teach it to others?
Intense Study Sessions Decide what you want to accomplish in your study session 1
Set a Goal
2
Study with Focus
30‐50 min
Interact with material‐ organize, concept map, summarize, process, re‐read, fill‐in notes, reflect, etc.
3
Reward Yourself
10‐15 min
10 15 min
Take a break– call a friend, play a short game, get a snack
4
Review
1‐2 min
5 min
Go over what you just studied
Center for Academic Success
B-31 Coates Hall ▪ 225.578.2872 ▪www.cas.lsu.edu
Effective Metacognitive Strategies
 Always ask why, how, and what if
 Use SQ5R for reading assignments
Use SQ5R for reading assignments
(survey, question, read, recite, review,
wRite reflect)
wRite, reflect)  Test understanding by giving “mini lectures” on concepts
on concepts
 Always solve problems without looking at an example or the solution
p
 Use the Study Cycle with Intense Study Sessions
Metacognitive Get Acquainted Activity*
• What do you believe is important to understand and learn in d
d dl
i
_____________________?
• What do you believe to be critical characteristics of successful students in ___________?
• How will you study and prepare for exams in y
y
p p
______________________________?
*Simpson, M. & Rush, L. (2012) in Teaching Study Strategies in Developmental Education, Hodges, Simpson, Stahl eds. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s
Hodges, Simpson, Stahl eds. (2012) Teaching Study Strategies in Developmental Education, New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s






Historical Background on Study Strategies
Developmental Education and Learning Assistance Today
Developmental Education and Learning Assistance Today
Diverse Populations in the Classroom
Students’ Beliefs about Study Strategies
Th
Theory, Research, and Best Practices
R
h dB P
i
Assessment and Evaluation
Another Valuable Reference
Gabriel, Kathleen F. (2008) Teaching Unprepared Students.
Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing
Effective Strategies for Teaching Unprepared Students*
g p p








Establish High Expectations
g
p
Emphasize Consistent Contact
Determine Students’ Learning Styles
Determine Students
Learning Styles
Define Student Success
Clarify Student Responsibility
Establish a Learning Community of Scholars
g
y
Meet Students Where They Are
Interweave Assessment and Teaching
Interweave Assessment and Teaching
*Gabriel, Kathleen F. (2008) Teaching Unprepared Students.
Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing
Help Students Develop the Right Mindset
Dweck, Carol, 2006. Mi d
Mindset: The New Psychology Th N P h l
of Success. New York: Random House Publishing
Shenk, David, 2010. The Genius in All of Us: Why Everything You've
Us: Why Everything You
ve Been Told Been Told
About Genetics, Talent, and IQ Is Wrong. New York: Doubleday Mindset* is Important!
 Fixed Intelligence Mindset
i d I lli
i d
Intelligence is static
Y h
You have a certain amount of it
i
fi
 G
Growth Intelligence Mindset
h I lli
Mi d
Intelligence can be developed
Y
You can grow it with actions
i ih i
Dweck, Carol (2006) Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
New York: Random House Publishing
Mindset determines reactions to
• Challenges – avoid vs. embrace
• Obstacles – give up easily vs. persist
• Tasks requiring effort – fruitless vs. path to masteryy
• Criticism – ignore vs. learn from
• Success of Others –
Success of Others feel threatened by vs. feel threatened by vs
find lessons and inspiration in What happens when we teach h h
h
h
metacognitive learning strategies, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and the Study Cycle ,
j
to an entire class, not just individuals?
Performance in Gen Chem I in 2010 Based on One Learning Strategies Session
Based on One Learning Strategies Session
Exam 1 Avg.:
Exam
1 Avg :
Exam 2 Avg.: Final course Avg*.: Attended
72 35%
72.35%
76.01%
82.48%
Final Course Grade: B
Absent
70 11%
70.11%
68.74%
72.61%
C
Even one 50‐min presentation on study and learning p
y
g
strategies may mean an improvement of one full letter grade!
Note: 15% of the final course grade was determined by homework;
students could also earn ~5% for extra credit activities.
Performance in Gen Chem I in 2011 Based on One Learning Strategies Session
Based on One Learning Strategies Session
Exam 1 Avg.:
Exam
1 Avg :
Exam 2 Avg.: Final course Avg*.: Attended
71 65%
71.65%
77.18%
81.60%
Final Course Grade: B
Absent
70 45%
70.45%
68.90% 70.43%
C
The one 50‐min presentation on study and learning strategies p
y
g
g
again resulted in an improvement of one full letter grade!
Note: 15% of the final course grade was determined by homework;
students could also earn ~5% for extra credit activities.
LSU Analytical Chemistry Graduate Student’s Cumulative Exam Record 2004 – 2005
2005 – 2006
9/04
Failed
10/05
Passed
10/04
F il d
Failed
11/05
Failed
12/05
Passed best in group
1/06
Passed
2/06
Passed
Began work
with CAS and
the Writing
Center in
October 2005
11/04
Failed
12/04
Failed
1/05
Passed
2/05
Failed
3/06
Failed
3/05
Failed
4/06
Passed last one!
4/05
Failed
5/06
N/A
Dr. Algernon Kelley, December 2009
Email from a Spring 2011 Chem 1201 student
“…Personally, I am not so good at chemistry and
unfortunately, at this point my grade for that class is reflecting
exactly
e
act y tthat.
at I a
am e
emailing
a g you inquiring
qu g about a poss
possibility
b ty o
of
you tutoring me.”
April 6, 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“I made a 68, 50, (50), 87, 87, and a 97 on my final. I ended
up earning a 90 (A) in the course, but I started with a 60
(D). I think what I did different was make sidenotes in each
chapter and as I progressed onto the next chapter I was able
to refer to these notes. I would say that in chemistry
everything
thi builds
b ild ffrom th
the previous
i
t i
topic.
May 13, 2011
Semester GPA: 3.8
… and from the perspective of a faculty member
who learned metacognitive strategies as a student
“…I am happy to report to you that many of my
students are using the study cycle and all of the
outcomes are positive.
In summary, students who were failing all of their
classes, including my course and in their final
semester before being removed from the university
are now the top
p students in their respective
p
classes.
I am so proud of these students. Many of the
students stated to me that they will continue to use
the study cycle.....”
October 15,, 2010
Algernon Kelley, Xavier University Chemistry Instructor
From a Xavier University student to Dr. Kelley in Fall 2011
Oct. 17, 2011
Hello
H
ll Dr.
D K
Kelley.
ll
… I am struggling
t
li
att Xavier
X i and
d I REALLY wantt to
t
succeed, but everything I've tried seems to end with a "decent" grade. I’m
not the type of person that settles for decent. What you preached during
the time you were in Dr. Privett's class last week is still ringing in my
head I really want to know how you were able to do really well
head.
even despite your circumstances growing up. I was hoping you could
mentor me and guide me down the path that will help me realize my true
potential while here at Xavier. Honestly I want to do what you did, but I
seriously can't find a way how to. Can I please set up a meeting with you
as soon as you’re
’ available
il bl so I can learn
l
how
h
to
t gett a handle
h dl grades
d and
d
classes?
Oct. 24,, 2011
Hey Dr. Kelley, I made an 84 on my chemistry exam (compared to the 56
on my first one) using your method for 2 days (without prior intense
studying). Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I’ll come by your
office Friday and talk to you about the test.
Nov 3, 2011
Hey Dr. Kelley! I have increased my Bio exam grade from a 76% to a
91.5% using your system. Ever since I started your study cycle program,
my grades have significantly improved. I have honestly gained a sense of
hope and confidence here at Xavier. My family and I are really grateful
that you have taken time to get me back on track.
We can significantly increase student learning!
student learning!
W
We must teach students the learning h d
h l
i
process and provide specific strategies
 We must not judge student potential on W
j d
d
i l
initial performance
 We must encourage students to persist in W
d
i i
the face of initial failure
 We must encourage the use of W
t
th
f
metacognitive tools
Final Reflection Question
Final Reflection Question
Who is primarily
p
y responsible p
for student learning?
a) the student
b) the instructor
b) the instructor
c) the institution
Who do you think students
say is primarily responsible say is primarily
responsible
for student learning?
a) the student
a)
the student
b) the instructor
c) the institution
c) the institution
The reality is that…
when all three of these entities take full when
all three of these entities take full
responsibility for student learning,
we will experience a significant increase in student learning, retention, and graduation rates!
S i lN t
Special Note
Please visit the CAS website at
www.cas.lsu.edu.
We have on
on-line
line workshops that will introduce
you and your students to effective metacognitive
strategies.
g
Please feel free to contact me at
[email protected].
Have fun teaching your students powerful
metacognitive
t
iti strategies!
t t i !
Saundra McGuire
Useful Websites
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
http://www.xavier.edu/lac/
http://www
xavier edu/lac/
http://www.xavier.edu/retention/
www.cas.lsu.edu
l
d
www.howtostudy.org
www.vark-learn.com
www drearlbloch com
www.drearlbloch.com
Searches on www.google.com
Additional References
• Bruer, JJohn T. , 2000. Schools For Thought:
g A Science off Learningg in the
Classroom. MIT Press.
• Bransford, J.D., Brown, A.L., Cocking, R.R. (Eds.), 2000. How people
learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. Washington, DC: National
Academ Press
Academy
Press.
• Christ, F. L., 1997. Seven Steps to Better Management of Your Study Time.
Clearwater, FL: H & H Publishing
• Cromley,
Cromley Jennifer,
Jennifer 2000.
2000 Learning to Think,
Think Learning to Learn: What
the Science of Thinking and Learning Has to Offer Adult Education.
Washington, DC: National Institute for Literacy.
• Ellis,, David,, 2006. Becomingg a Master Student*. New York: Houghtong
Mifflin.
• Hoffman, Roald and Saundra Y. McGuire. (2010). Learning and
Teaching Strategies. American Scientist , vol. 98, pp. 378-382.
• Nilson,
l
Linda,
d 2004. Teaching at It’s
’ Best: A Research-Based Resource for
College Instructors. Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company.
• Pierce, William, 2004. Metacognition: Study Strategies, Monitoring,
and Motivation.
Motivation
http://academic.pg.cc.md.us/~wpeirce/MCCCTR/metacognition.htm
*Excellent student reference