Metacognitive Awareness: a Pilot Study in a Software Design Course

The purpose of my research is to investigate better means to increase reflection on the learning process in computer−based learning environments. The aim is to develop a system that helps students improve their ability to reflect upon, understand, and control their learning when engaging in a problem solving activity. The motivation for this research is that it is necessary to focus as much on the metacognitive processes of problem solving as on the cognitive ones to develop good problem solvers (Flavell, 1976). Understanding the role of metacognitive awareness in learning is a key component for this enterprise. Therefore, a pilot study was undertaken to provide insights about how metacognition plays a role in a real learning situation. This paper discusses findings of the study performed with first−year undergraduate students enrolled in a software design course. The experiment indicates that those students have average to low awareness of planning, monitoring the learning process, and analysing performance and strategy effectiveness once finished a problem. The results of the study will be used to select most relevant metacognitive processes to be incorporated to the system.