Motivation, Cognition and Metacognition in Learning

MOTIVATION, COGNITION AND
METACOGNITION IN LEARNING
STUDY GUIDE/WORKBOOK

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CONTENTS
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY.........................................4
TOPIC 2: SELF-BELIEFS.................................................................................................5
TOPIC 3: BELIEFS ABOUT INTELLIGENCE..................................................................9
QUIZ 1.............................................................................................................................13
TOPIC 4: SHORT-TERM AND WORKING MEMORY...................................................15
TOPIC 5: LONG-TERM MEMORY.................................................................................19
QUIZ 2.............................................................................................................................22
TOPIC 6: ENCODING.....................................................................................................24
TOPIC 7: RETRIEVAL....................................................................................................27
QUIZ 3.............................................................................................................................30
TOPIC 8: PROBLEM SOLVING AND CRITICAL THINKING........................................32
TOPIC 9: EXPERTISE....................................................................................................36
QUIZ 4.............................................................................................................................38
TOPIC 10: CLASSROOM CONTEXTS..........................................................................40
EXTENDED READINGS.................................................................................................43
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TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
 Text Reading: Bruning et al. (2010) Chapter 1: Introduction
Read Chapter 1 of your text Bruning et al. (2010). Consider the overview of cognitive psychology and
whether you agree with the themes listed in this chapter
1. Write a paragraph about one part of your learning that might be affected by your participation in
EDUC8731.
2. What questions about your learning or your students’ learning would you like to see answered?
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The learning is completely based on interactions that a person makes with another individual. From
the participation, it has been discovered that learning is not just a skill in which a person acquires the
knowledge, but, it is simply as task in which an individual search out for meaning on the basis of
previous learnings. Thus, it is recreated n the basis of various past information. As a result, there can be a
large impact on motivation level. The learnings can be highly affected as a result of cognitive
psychology as the person will be able to develop self goals and will be highly motivated for more
development.
As per the present learning, I will prefer to have the answer of how cognitive process is helpful in
solving various problems? By getting the answer of this particular question, it will help in making an
evaluation of entire cognitive process. Further, it will also aid in getting information about the practical
application of cognitive process and learning in context of real life situations.

TOPIC 2: SELF-BELIEFS
 Text Reading: Bruning et al. (2010); Chapter 6: Beliefs about self
1. Draw a diagram showing your own interpretation of Bandura’s model of Reciprocal determinisim.
2. Explain your model in words.
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The model is having three models. One is the behaviour, second is the environmental factors, and the
third one is the person or an individual. The behaviour of the person is dependent on the influence of the
social world as well as the characteristics on personal terms. In the environment component, all the
external factors like; laws, rules and regulations, physical surroundings which are present around the
person, that will influence the change is the behaviour of the person. The individual or a person will
include the personal beliefs and their characteristics.

3. What is an example of an instance where you have vicariously learned to do something?
a. Describe the learning process that you went through in this instance.
4. What do you have high self-efficacy for?
a. What evidence do you have for this assessment of your self-efficacy?
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I was sitting in a conference hall because of the seminar. All the members were present. After half an
hour a girl enters into the room, and when she saw everybody was present, she became nervous. She was
embarrassed so to avoid that thing to happen, I just stood and invited her to sit. This was the instance
where environment component and behaviour of personal component played a role. There I have learnt
that these personal component will help me in learning to do something for other person.
Learning can be a very complex process, which can be influenced by a wide range of factors. One thing
is the observation, it is very vital in learning something. The one learning process is social learning
theory. This theory explained that observation, modelling and imitation has the main role in this process.
Social theory combines the other elements from behavioural theory. This shows that all the behaviours
can be understand by cognitive and conditioning theory, and the psychological influence can also be
taken into account like memory and attention.
Self efficacy is the ability of a person to organize execute the actions which are required to manage the
situation. I have the high self efficacy from recovering from setbacks, and also very deep interest in the
activities in which I took part. It helps me in approaching various goals, job and situation.

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Once, I was in the ground playing football with my friends. One of my friend shows some nice skills
which I was not aware of. Then due to my high self efficacy towards the game, I was taking more
interest in learning those skill. The challenge was to do that skill and learn that in very short duration of
time. I am having very high self efficacy towards facing challenges and have very strong snense of
commitment in taking activities.

5. What do you have low self-efficacy for?
a. What evidence do you have for this assessment of your self-efficacy?
6. Describe how a modeling process has been involved in either a teaching or learning activity that
you have undertaken.
a. In what ways did this help you or someone else to learn?
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I am having low self efficacy in listening. And also have lack in focusing on my personal failings and
negative outcomes.
When I was working in an organization, there I was placed in a team. So that time, in a particular task, I
was unknown of the things which were going on. Because I am having low self efficacy in focusing on
my personal goals.
Modelling processes have some techniques like mastery experience, social modelling, social persuasion
and psychological responses. In teaching and learning activity, the social modelling process is very
important. Some times people learn from seeing other. Or seeing similar people having the same
qualities will put some significant impact on learning. And psychological responses like reaction to any
situation, and what to do will also helps in learning.
Social modelling will help in learning in a lot of ways. When people faces some situation or problem in
their life and by seeing them and their ways to overcome that problem will help others also. They will get
to know how to overcome the situation and how to fight the challenges. The responses they will make
and the capability to succeed will also helps in learning.