Improving Your Cognition and Metacognition

Part A

Identify the cognitive stratagies that you plan to apply this semester.

The cognitive stratagies that I plan to apply this semester are my critical thinking skills. I feel that critical thinking is a higher standard of thinking that needs to be applied. By applying this method of thinking my understanding and knowledge of material will greatly improve. Critical thinking will bring me to a new level of in-depth interpretations and thoughts. This will positively effect and help me to get a better grade.

Identify the metacognitive stratagies that you plan to apply this semester.

The metacognitive stratagey that I plan to apply this semester is planning. I believe that planning can lead to more structured and balanced environment for learning. As a result of planning ahead for tasks, I may be able to accomplish more. Being disorganized can mean missing deadlines and cramming for tests/exams. Planning ahead will help me to meet deadlines and practice better study methods.

Part B


Analyze your approaches to learning.

By completing the questionnaire I have come to find that lack of interest is a concern. Lack of interest in the course itself contributes to poor work ethic in that course. Lack of interest also contributes to lack of knowledge as well. This is due to the fact that the time required is not being put into these courses. Motivation to acquire further knowledge besides what is obligatory is not one of my strong points. Unfortunately, in some cases I have found that just receiving the mandatory grade suffices. However, I do find great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment when I study thoroughly and in a paced manner. I try and read extra material that is suggested to further my comprehension.

Reflect on what you learned and what changes you feel you should make to your approach to learning.

By reflecting on my findings I have learned that I need to find ways that would heighten my interest in certain courses. For example, one way of sparking my interest would be to offer myself an icecap if I were to finish the required assignments and advance my reading in that course. This could be a great motivation by incentive. By making learning fun for me, it may well inginite some interest. Finding pride in what I do, who I am and what I may become should be a cause for bettering my grades. I think by writing down my daily goals in school and in life would give me a reason to strive for a higher standard.

Part C

Did this story speak to you?

Yes, this story was interesting and inspiring. It brings a boldness of unwavering faith and confidence in (ones self) to accomplish goals in life; yet, going blindly, (which is what unwavering faith is), and learning along the way. This story brings a whole new meaning to self learning.

Do you have a similar story from your own experience?

Yes, although not quite as inspiring. At a young age I had a great love for my grandmother. As I began to grow, my grandmother began to deterriate. As conversation became minimal, I searched for ways in which to spend time with her. One day, as I looked at my grandmothers once prim, and well kept hair now lifeless and flat, I got out the blow dryer, curling iron and hair products needed to create what I hoped would be an improvement. As I showed the finished product to a few passers by, I had many ooooh's and awwww's. With much approval I began to practice with my grandmother's hair. Styling a few times a week became a ritual, eliminating costs of a hairdresser. To my surprise I was in high demand for new and exciting styles, that weren't the standard permed style, or known as the "poodle do" to many. A I found my career as a Health Care Aid, I continued offering services as a hair stylist and was never short of satisfied clients.

Having read the story, what do you feel are the characteristics and stratagies of a self-directed learner?

I feel that the characteristics and strategies of a self-directed learner are being self motivated and committed to what you are trying to accomplish or learn. To be able to do so confidence in ones self is a must. To be able to do that which you have never done before confidence is a must. Having a well thought out and structured plan to the goal you are striving to achieve would also be beneficial. A little bit of background skill could be helpful.

Are you a self-directed learner in your everyday life and your academic life? Is it improtant to you to become more self-directed as a learner? What would you need to do?

Everyday life and academic life is a journey of sorts that brings new things to view almost everyday. So yes, I would say that I am a self-directed learner. I would even go as far to say that we all at some point in our lives come to a point were we must become a self-directed learner. Yes, indeed it is important as a learner to become self-directed. To become a self-directed learner I would need to acquire certain characteristics such as self confidence to do the task and self motivation accomplish it.

What are your reactions to Weimer's comment that " College should be the time when and the place where students develop prowess as learners"?

I feel that to a degree Weimer's comment is correct. College is the place to develop assured abilities. Yet, through experience, I feel it takes many of life's lessons to acquire most of our extraoridinary skill.