Metacognition for Digital LearningJamie H. Shushan

Associate Director

Crimson Summer Academy, Harvard University

Virtual Classroom ChallengesFOR STUDENTS:

• Engagement

• Motivation

• Connection

• Concentration

• Distractions

• Technology

• Study Space

• Time Management

• Anxiety & Depression

• Academic & Emotional Support

FOR INSTRUCTORS:

• Provide Engagement

• Increase Motivation

• Create Connections

• Improve Concentration

• Reduce Distractions

• Manage Technology

• Improve Study Space

• Prioritize Time Management

• Recognize Anxiety & Depression

• Offer Academic & Emotional Support

Student Perspectives:

What can help address virtual classroom challenges?

• “When instructors use the breakout room and polling features in Zoom to foster collaboration among our peers, it helps us learn from fellow classmates.”

• “I have find it extremely helpful when instructors begin the class by checking in on everyone and getting a feel for the room because it gives people the opportunity to be more vulnerable with one another.”

• “I also really appreciate it when instructors prioritize group time as we don't get to interact with our classmates otherwise.”

• “Use projects to engage students. Do something physical like upload a picture and share why you chose the picture. Or ask students to write personal narratives to share with each other.”

• “Having specific roles for group work helps us get to know each other because we have to determine who will take on each role and can identify strengths and weaknesses.”

• “Discussing what kind of learner you are definitely helps – like VARK. As an auditory learner, it helps me to be in a conversation to talk about my ideas, and I learned from a classmate to use a Ted Talk format when I am doing writing assignments.”

Use VARK as a Launch Pad

To build metacognition skills

To engage students & personalize study skills

To create connections between students

To develop a targeted, actionable study plan

To provide opportunities for group collaboration & learning

The VARK Questionnaire provides a personalized window into learning preferences

https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/

• Visual Strategies

• Aural/Auditory Strategies

• Read/Write Strategies

• Kinesthetic Strategies

• Multimodal Strategies

But VARK Does Have Limitations

With VARK knowledge, students still may not choose to use study

strategies that align with their learning style.

Learning outcomes and student success may not

improve when using study strategies that align with

VARK learning preferences.

A VARK profile is not set-in stone and can change over time. VARK is also about learning preferences and

not strengths/weaknesses.

Focus on VARK as a Metacognitive Tool…

To allow students to reflect more deeply on their thinking and learning:• Give students time to complete the VARK survey & expand

the exercise with journal writing.

• After each VARK question, ask that they respond to the following prompt:

WHY or HOW does your answer help YOU?

Engage Students & Personalize Study Skills

• Have students research their VARK learning preference(s).

• Ask for journal reflections (that will be shared with peers):

1. Do your VARK results make sense to you? Why or why not?

2. Are there specific examples you can detail (from a class or when you study) that demonstrate the way this preference impacts your learning?

For example, do you find classes with hand-on activities (like experiments) particularly helpful to your understanding?

Or do you notice that when you listen to your peers explain material in a study group, you seem to “get it” in a way that is more effective than when studying alone?

3. Were you surprised by low scores on any learning preference(s)? Explain your reaction.

Create Connections Between Students

Break up into VARK groups connecting those with similar learning preferences as much as possible.

Students share something interesting about any part of their name as an ice breaker.

Each person shares their journal reflections with the group while those listening identify aspects that resonate with them.

Group Goal: Detail 5-10 learning preference specific strategies that could be used when studying.

Full Class: VARK groups summarize their learning preference(s) & share the 5-10 learning preference study strategies outlined*.

*Compile this class study strategy list (organized by VARK learning preference) and send to the whole class.

Develop a Targeted, Actionable Study PlanHOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

1. Have the class study strategy list handy!

2. Block out study* sessions in your planner each day (including weekends).

3. Consider each class you are taking. Commit to trying ONE or TWO new study strategies for EACH class.

4. SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF LIKE YOU WOULD FOR A FRIEND OR A JOB INTERVIEW!!!

5. Assess your study space: 1. What distracts you? Be specific.2. Does the space feel like a dedicated “office” or are you sitting in bed/moving around? 3. How often do you look at your phone/social media over the course of a 15-minute period when

you are studying?

*REMEMBER: “STUDYING” MEANS COMPLETING CLASS ASSIGNMENTS, CRITICALLY THINKING ABOUT MATERIAL, AND PREPARING FOR TESTS.

Provide Opportunities for Group Collaboration & Learning

Full Class Reflection:• Did you SHOW UP during your dedicated study sessions? If not, what got in

the way? If so, which study strategies helped get you going?

VARK Group Break-outs:• Each member shares their planner system & targeted study strategies.

• Discuss study “road blocks” that group members experienced & compile a list of these challenges.

• Brainstorm ways to overcome study challenges & ask students to pick two they will try.

Panel of Experienced Students (if possible):• Share study challenges & how they dealt with them.• Reinforce effective study strategies that require real effort.• Answer questions from the class.

Emphasize the Basics (often!)

Use a PLANNER every day & TO DO lists to prioritize responsibilities.Planner &

To Do Lists

Add STUDY SESSIONS to your planner (2-3 study hours for every in-class hour) & SHOW UP!Study Sessions

Personalize studying by using techniques that speak to YOUR learning preferences.Personalize

Incorporate critical thinking study strategies: Study notes that make meaningful connections; Conversations with peers/instructors to expand thinking (study groups & office hours); Practice tests to truly test knowledge and highlight learning gaps.

Critical Thinking

Hide (yes out of sight!) technology distractions when studying (ideally for 30-45 minute stretches).Hide Distractions

Try to create a dedicated work-space that becomes YOUR “office” & stay off your bed! Use headphones to minimize distractions and improve concentration.

“Office” Space & Headphones