Why metacognition matters more than ever before: Real lessons of 2020
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
As we study, this pivotal time in our history and the ongoing implications, one thing that has become abundantly clear is the incredible need for strong critical thinking skills across our population. In order to maintain strong critical thinking skills, it is imperative to develop a metacognition practice: a process by which we reflect on our thinking, our choices, and decisions, and address how we might do better in the future. Metacognition or critical thinking skills has long been viewed as one of the most important determinants of an individual's success and ability to thrive under difficult circumstances. (Satish & Streufert, 1997; Schroder et al., 1967; Streufert & Streufert, 1970, 1978; Streufert & Swezey, 1986).
We can lose the ability to understand different perspectives (breadth of approach), approach a problem from multiple vantage points (flexibility of approach), sift through and vet information (information management), think proactively rather than reactively (strategic thinking), and connect our actions with future goals (task management).
