Metacognition

Metacognition, or thinking about one's thinking is a useful tool because it helps us choose and use our resources wisely.   It also cultivates a growth mindset.   Prompting learners to strategically think about their learning approach can have positive effects on academic and skill experience outcomes.  Desmond Ong, researcher and doctoral student in the Stanford department of psychology, discovered that reflection resulted in an increase in learner's grades and stressed "It's not merely about using a greater number of resources for studying.  The important point here is using resources more effectively.".

John Dewey, psychologist, philosopher, and educational reformer, believed in a hands-on approach to learning.  He also teaches us the value of regular reflection.   Reflecting gives learners an opportunity to think critically about their experiences.  As an instructor and course designer, I build reflective practices into each lab, and I fold this habit into other learning experiences.  I offer learners different reflection formats and provide a protected time in class for reflection at the end of each culinary lab, unit, and end of the entire course.  My goal is to initiate and nourish a reflective habit in my classroom so that my students can practice and infuse it into their lives.  It is a powerful tool that will bring abundant growth opportunities.  Here's just one of our reflection tools.

Some example questions are

• What would I do differently next time?

• What did I need that I didn’t have?

• What do I attribute my success to?

• What was difficult for me?

• What could I do to support myself next time?

You can read more about the Stanford article here and about John Dewey here.