What is metacognition?

In this episode, I talk about metacognition, which can be described as knowledge and understanding of your own thinking.

I talk about the 3 main components of metacognition:

1. Person knowledge - thinking about how you think and feel
2. Task knowledge - thinking about the task
3. Strategy knowledge - thinking about the best strategies to complete the task.

Here's a simple overview.

In this episode, I look at how you can identify a useful goal and then create a basic learning plan by asking 6 questions.

This works even better when you discuss these questions with a mentor, teacher, coach, or supportive friend.

1. What do you want / need to learn / improve? - Identify skill /task X.
2. Why do you want / need to learn / improve X? - Identify purpose
3. What's stopping you from learning / improving X? - Identify obstacles
4. What's a good way to learn/improve X? - Identify options
5. What tools/materials can help you learn/improve X? - Identify resources
6. Who can help you learn/ improve X? - Identify collaborators.

In this episode, I look at the CEFR Self-Assessment Grid for C1. It's a useful tool to get an idea of your level of English when understanding, speaking, and writing.

Key takeaways:

• An overview of the CEFR
• Why C1 is a high level
• How the CEFR assesses understanding, speaking, and writing skills
• Why spoken production (monologue) is different to spoken interaction (dialogue)
• The importance of working with an English teaching professional to assess your skills.

Here is the CEFR Self-assessment Grid