Learning Metacognition

15 minutes

Prepare a slide with the following video link embedded:

o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96fE1E-rf8#t=257s
Learning How to Learn TEDTalk by Barbara Oakley
(1 minute) Have the students take out a sheet of paper they will turn in at the end of the class
session.
o Instruct the students to jot down the top 3 messages/lessons they learned or found interesting
from the video clip.
(5 minutes) As a class, view the 4:17-9:45 segment of the video.
o This can be viewed at 1.25X the normal speed.
(3 minutes) As a class, ask a few individuals to state one of the points of the video that they wrote
down.
o Examples include:
Focused Mode narrow thinking that leads to similar results continuously; through
continuous practice and understanding
Diffused Mode new ideas that need creative space to comprehend
Salvador Dali and Thomas Edison Keys/Ball-bearings to move from diffused to
focused mode
Need to use creative approaches when learning a new subject
(5 minutes) Have the students break up into small groups of 3-4. They can work with the individuals
seated around them, or prepare assigned groups ahead of time. Ask them to brainstorm and discuss
ideas to the following prompts. Remind them to take notes of their discussion on the sheet of paper
you will collect. If there is time, ask for examples.
o Now that you can recognize the difference between the diffused and focused modes, identify
an instance where your diffused mode aided in your successful completion of an assignment.
Examples include:
Had a paper to write. While walking to classes throughout the day, considered
the prompt and eventually came up with a first draft for my thesis. (Diffused
state)
Had an exam the next day. While doing laundry, I mused over the lecture
topics and listed key concepts that I could remember reading about. (Diffused
state)
I reviewed the lecture slides that detailed the biochemical pathways. I then
wrote them out continuously in order to memorize the substrates. (Focused
state)
o For a specific course you are currently taking (besides LAS 101), determine how you might
use what you learned through the video to study. Remember to provide a specific example.
Examples include:
Though I get frustrated when I struggle with my Calc 2 homework, I have to
understand that there is a learning curve. This is new content for me, and I
have to be patient with myself. I will briefly review lecture notes before class
(diffused state), but then use the focused state when completing the
homework.
There is a lot to memorize for PSYC 100. I need to give myself time to
prepare in both the focused and diffused states. I will focus on learning the
key terms with flashcards. Then for 10 minutes afterwards, I will close my
eyes and try to connect them to one another and life experiences I have had.
(1 minute) Use this time to answer questions and transition to the next topic. Collect the papers now
or at the end of class.