Phases of the Metacognitive Cycle

As stated in the video, the phases of metacognition are:

1. Assess the task

The first step of the cycle is to establish what we would like to accomplish.

Ex: Today, I want to bake a cake.

2. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses

Every person has their own experiences and perspectives that affect how they complete tasks. It is important to use individual strengths, be aware of our weaknesses, and determine to what extent we want them to influence which strategies we try.

Strengths: I have baked a variety of desserts before including cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.

Weaknesses: I haven’t baked a cake before, and the steps look a little different than the baked goods I have made in the past. I also haven’t worked with cake flour before.

3. Plan the approach

Now we need to determine HOW we want to accomplish this task. After thinking about our strengths and weaknesses, it is easier to decide the more effective way to attempt the task. Different strategies are more beneficial for different people, and it is important to determine what works best for you.

Since cake flour is the only ingredient in the recipe I haven’t used before, I will look up how it’s different from all-purpose flour. Then, I will measure and prepare all my ingredients before I begin so I do not have to switch between tasks in the middle of my recipe.

4. Apply the strategies

Let’s put our plan into action! In this stage, we will apply the strategies and approach while considering our strengths and weaknesses, as well as monitor our progress. What is going well? What isn’t going so well? It’s okay if our initial plan doesn’t work at first. This is part of the process. Keep the thought in mind but continue to try your best to complete the task.

I notice that even though I haven’t baked a cake before, it seems that it’s using a lot of familiar methods to combine ingredients. I’m not really doing steps I haven’t done before, they are just in a different combination than I have used before. I didn’t read all of the steps before I began the recipe, though, so I ended up doing some things out of order. I’m interested to see how this affects my final outcome.

5. Reflect

After applying the strategies and using your plan, look back and think about the process. Ask yourself again: what worked well and what didn’t? Why? How can we adjust this plan to be more effective?

My cake turned out less fluffy than I expected. I think this is because I accidentally followed the direction out of order. Next time I want to bake a cake, I will read the entire recipe before I begin so I don’t make the same mistake next time.