Self-monitoring
Overview
When adults monitor their comprehension, performance, and use of strategies when learning they become more invested in their work, build their Metacognition, and actively participate in the process. Helping learners self-assess their behavior helps develop their Self-regulation, monitor their comprehension during reading, and think through strategies during math tasks. Self-monitoring also supports critical thinking and Problem Solving skills.
Use It In Your Learning Environment
Self-monitoring can occur in the classroom and beyond. Explaining your thinking during reading, writing, or Problem Solving can promote memory and benefit strategy selection, pacing, and study habits. In the learning environment, instructors can start by modeling their thinking or provide prompts. Instructors or product developers can promote self-monitoring of progress in relation to a goal by providing prompts, guides, or checklists. This allows learners to better regulate their own learning, and gives them the tools to independently solve problems.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Metacognitive Supports Strategies
When annotating, learners engage deeply with a text and make their thinking visible while reading, which supports Foundational Reading Skills.
Setting overall goals with actionable steps for achievement can help learners feel more confident in their abilities and help minimize procrastination-related behaviors.
Journaling allows learners to reflect on their thinking and feelings, process their learning, and connect new information to what they know and their practical experiences.
Pairing non-examples with examples helps learners compare and contrast to deepen understanding at both the concept and skill levels.
Perspective seeking is different from perspective taking as it involves communication with the purpose of gaining insight into the nuances of alternate views.
Positive self-talk can support self-efficacy, optimism, Self-regulation, and a Learner Mindset.
Reflection can take place throughout learning, supporting critical thinking and Problem Solving skills when learners actively question assumptions, and after learning experiences to support Metacognition.
