Complex Cognitive Processes Chapter 8

Metacognition and learning strategies

Cognitive Processes Lower-level processes Higher-level processes

Metacognition develops over time Greater metacognitive awareness = more likely to use effective strategies, have high achievement

Effective Learning Strategies Overt strategies Covert strategies

Factors Affecting Strategy Use ??

Diversity, Disabilities, & Exceptional Abilities Cultural differences in students’ epistemic beliefs definition & purpose of learning role of effort learning strategies Students with disabilities may need explicit instruction, scaffolding

Knowledge Transfer Positive transfer Negative transfer Specific transfer General transfer

Factors Affecting Transfer Meaningfulness of original learning Similarity to original learning Material principles, theories more easily transferred than discrete facts Relevance context-free material more easily transferred than context-bound Cultural environment, expectations

Problem Solving Well-defined problems Ill-defined problems

Problem-Solving Strategies Algorithm Heuristic

Factors Affecting Problem Solving Working memory capacity Encoding Metacognitive processes

Creativity Two components new, original behavior productive result Involves divergent thinking

Fostering Creativity Show students that creativity is valued Focus on internal rewards Promote mastery of subject area Ask thought-provoking questions Give students freedom, security to take risks Provide time

Critical thinking

Critical Thinking Evaluating accuracy, credibility, worth of information and lines of reasoning verbal reasoning argument analysis probabilistic reasoning hypothesis testing

Fostering Critical Thinking Teach fewer topics, greater depth Encourage intellectual skepticism Model critical thinking Provide opportunities to practice Ask questions Debate controversial issues Help students understand that critical thinking involves considerable mental effort, but it’s worth it Embed critical thinking skills in authentic activities

Diversity in complex thinking processes

Diverse populations Respect culture multicultural background enhances critical thinking skills Assist students who have special needs