Metacognitive Learning

Recently I turned in a summary on metacognitive learning which is required by all students at Iron Range Engineering this semester.  In our program which is project based, we do all of our academic learning based on four knowledge dimensions or levels of “competency” in whatever subject is being studied at the time.  These levels of knowledge from basic to extreme are:

·         Factual Knowledge

·         Conceptual Knowledge

·         Procedural Knowledge

·         Metacognitive Knowledge

To understand anything of course, begins with factual knowledge which simply means being aware of a subject and being able to discuss it in simple terms.  What is important though, for us current and future IRE students, is that we understand the concept of metacognitive learning and the role it plays in this program.  We have had this subject pounded into our heads by the IRE instructors from day one and only now am I starting to see how reflection on learning activities truly plays a key role in retaining learned material and dealing with the unknown through relation.  Awhile back, Ron Ulseth requested that we take just a little of our time to reflect on activities of the past day or week and maybe even keep a journal of metacognitive reflection.  I believe this will enhance an individual’s ability to retain information and is one of the most important aspects of this program.  New students, if you read this and are vague on the subject of metacognitive learning, start looking into it now because you will be much less confused as to what is required of you here at IRE.