My Progress Report

As we have moved closer to midterm of my first semester it seems as though I've done exceptionally well. When i add all my marks up from each class it shows that i have maintained an average well over my goal of the semester. Going into my first year I wanted to maintain an average of around 80 - 85% but I have well over a 90 average when I calculate it all. I have learned a few things from our "Strategies for Success" class and I find that some of the note-taking methods work very well during lectures in both biology and chemistry. I don't really plan on changing anything about my study habits, but i could start doing assignments a little earlier. I'm also going to start doing our optional assignments to get ahead of myself and possibly start some more study groups. All I need to do is study hard, complete all assignments and attend class for the rest of the semester and I should be able to fulfill my goals I have set for myself.

Cognition and Metacognition

Assignment 3: Cognition and Metacognition
Strategies for Success
Dwayne Butler
October 11/ 2007


Part 1: Chapter 7 Improving Your Cognition and Metacognition

1. Identify the cognitive strategies that you plan to apply this semester.

I plan to apply a few cognitive strategies throughout this semester to help with my learning strategies. I would like to use deep rehearsal rather than shallow rehearsal. In addition I intend to study over a period of time instead of cramming all the information in one night. I also plan to use strategies such as elaboration. I will accomplish this by summarizing, paraphrasing, and using analogies.

2. Identify the metacognitive strategies that you plan to apply this semester.

The metacognitive strategies that I plan to use this semester include planning and modifying my study habits.


Part 2: Approaches to Learning: Deep vs. Surface

Survey Item Answers

1. D
2. E
3. B
4. D
5. E
6. E
7. A
8. B
9. B
10. E
11. B
12. B
13. D
14. C
15. A
16. C
17. D
18. E
19. B
20. D


2. Analyze Your Approaches to Learning

Deep Strategy Surface Strategy Deep Motive Surface Motive

1. E 1. D 1. D 1. B
2. E 2. B 2. E 2. A
3. E 3. B 3. B 3. B
4. C 4. C 4. D 4. A
5. E 5. D 5. D 5. B

I use a deep processing approach to learning much more than I demonstrate strategies of surface approach learning.

3. Reflect on what you learned and what changes you feel you should make to your leaning approach.I must work on making study topics appealing and try to motivate me to work harder in my courses.


Part 3: Self- Directed Learner

1. Did this story speak to you in any way?
Not really.

2. Do you have a similar story from your own experience?
Working on this assignment reminded me of it. I didn’t know what I was doing at first.

3. Having read the story, what do you feel the characteristics and strategies of a self-directed learner?

I feel the characteristics and strategies of a self- directed learner are: dedication, determination, and motivation.

4. Are you a self-directed learner in your everyday life and your academic life? Is it important to you to become more self-directed as a learner? What would you need to do?

I have always been a self-directed learner in both everyday and in academic life because I am always motivated and devoted to my work ethics.

5. What are your reactions to Weimer’s comments that “College should be the time when and the place where students develop prowess as learners”?

I agree with this statement. To be successful in college you must devote your time to develop the necessary skills.