Building Metacognition For Students: Proven Strategies for Self-Reflection & Improvement

Honest self-reflection is one of the toughest and most important skills that we can practice. Metacognition, an awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, is certainly a challenging executive function skill, which takes consistent commitment and dedication.

Journaling is one strategy that we can use to reflect. Another is to use a self-evaluation that you add to and update regularly. Since we are constantly engaging with our executive function skills, even as we move out of the academic sphere, using one of these tools to self-reflect is a great way to acknowledge how you are adapting in new seasons of life, as well as where you may need to re-focus. 

A simple chart, like the one below, provides room to list the strategies and tools you use regularly to be successful with each executive functioning skill. You can also rate your confidence and provide spaces for notes or context.

Once you have an understanding of where you need support, be sure to reach out and ask for help! Self-advocacy is a great next step. And remember, taking a look in the mirror is an invaluable step to set realistic and achievable goals that will push you to grow!