Teaching Law Students How to Become Metacognitive Thinkers

55 Pages Posted: 2 Apr 2013 Last revised: 6 Jun 2016

Date Written: April 1, 2013

Abstract

Metacognition is our awareness of the learning process. It is thinking about one’s own thinking. Metacognition involves monitoring and control of an individual's cognition and the learning outcome and reflection of the individual as learner.

Understanding metacognition and how to use metacognitive skills is a major part of becoming a successful learner. Helping law students become metacognitive learners will make them better lawyers and life-long learners. However, most students do not acquire metacognitive skills on their own. Rather, they require a “coach” (a law professor) to develop expertise.

This article shows how law professors can help their students understand metacognition and develop metacognitive skills. Part II of this article discusses metacognition in general, and Part III shows how law professors can help their students develop metacognitive skills. Subjects in Part III include developing metacognitive awareness, teaching metacognition in the classroom, teaching students how to use metacognition while studying, teaching students metacognition in one-on-one meetings, and using formative assessments to develop metacognition.

Keywords: Legal education, legal writing, metacognition, psychology of learning

Suggested Citation

Fruehwald, Edwin S., Teaching Law Students How to Become Metacognitive Thinkers (April 1, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2243128 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2243128

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