Student Metacognition Guide

1. Describe the problem or task at hand.

Create the longest item possible using 3 index cards, 5 paper clips, 1 piece of tape, 1 ruler, 1
pair of scissors.

2. Plan- Complete the two tasks below to help strategically plan your approach to
this task.
a. Which of the following metacognition strategies will you use to accomplish
this task? (highlight all that apply)
■ Asking yourself questions
■ Mentally rehearsing or practicing
■ Exploring a variety of options
■ Using past experience to inform your choices
■ Monitoring and changing your actions as needed
■ Other: _____________________________________

b. Use the space below to create a plan for how you will complete the task.
This may be a drawing, list of steps, a mental map or web, and so on.

1. Cut the index cards into thin strips. Tape strips together.
2. Unfold paper clips to make them longer.
3. Use paper clips to tie on scissors and ruler.
 Student Metacognition Guide

3. Reflect- Halfway through the task, answer the question below.

a. How well is the plan you came up with working? What needs to be
changed?
The plan is working well but is taking too long. We need to figure out how to
make this faster. Instead of cutting each strand, we will tear them so that more
than one person can do it at a time.

4. Evaluate- At the end of the task, answer the questions below.

a. Overall, how do you feel about your accomplishments during this task?
I feel good. We did not win but ours was pretty long and we worked well together.

b. What went well from your plan?

Our plan worked well because tearing the index cards made the chain really
long and we attached the scissors and ruler to make it longer.

c. What would you do differently next time?

We ran out of tape so a lot of the strips couldnt be attached. I would fold the
paper so it doesnt need to be taped.