Learning takes place when a student engages and interacts with new information. They either construct new neuro-pathways through engaging experiences or connect new knowledge to previous knowledge. Sometimes, however, challenges can occur in the processes of learning.
"I just don't get it!"
"My teacher isn't very good."
"I guess I'm just not a good math person..."
A frustrated student can get caught up in these kinds of thought processes, especially when they are feeling challenged by new information. But parents and teachers, acting as caring guides, can help move them forward by assessing and adjusting thoughts and habits. In order to assess where a student is coming from, we can use Three Components of Metacognition: My Belief, My Effort, and My Strategy.
My Belief: relates to a student's mindset and whether he believes he can accomplish learning (or doing) something new or difficult. It also relates to how well a student can recognize whether or not they understand something and whether they believe understanding can be changed through their effort: "Do I understand this? Am I capable of understanding this?" These beliefs are a conglomeration of stored information about past experiences and can positively or negatively impact personal efficacy.
My Effort relates to a student's willpower. "Am I willing to put forth the effort to understand (or complete) this?" My Effort is by far the most challenging of these three. A student must be able to inhibit their impulse desires, engage their will, and complete activities that can result in a desired goal. Just like any muscle-building activity, it is often challenging and painful, but the results are worth it if the goal is achieved. The student must also see value in their efforts as related to future outcomes in order to persevere.
My Strategy describes the toolbox of resources a student can access for help. It is the acquired knowledge and skills that a student could implement in order to reach the desired learning goal: "How shall I go about understanding and accomplishing this? What prior knowledge can help me? How much time do I need? Where is the best place to study? What resources do I need? Who can help me?" Self-awareness and self-disciple can increase the number of available resources.
My Belief, My Effort, and My Strategy are useful tools that can be used in any learning application. Breaking it down into these three areas can identify where in the process a student may be struggling. Often, circumstances may be attributed to lack of effort that are actually the result of their belief system or feeling overwhelmed or not knowing where to begin or how to get help. Try using this discussion in your next family meeting when a difficult topic tries to trip up your child's cognitive processes.
Happy Learning!