A metacognitive learning enviroment for physical science classrooms

[摘要] English: In order to address the problem of poor Physical Sciences performances in the Northern Cape, metacognitive awareness was identified as being the impetus that could stimulate Physical Sciences learning and improve performances in the subject. A metacognitive learning environment was identified as being a possible factor that could improve learners' metacognitive awareness. The aim of the research was to determine to what extent the Physical Sciences learning environments in the Northern Cape afforded learners the opportunity to develop metacognitive awareness. This was done by first investigating the knowledge and skills learners need to master in Physical Sciences. Metacognition was identified as playing a role in acquiring knowledge and skills in Physical Sciences. The need for metacognitive awareness in Physical Sciences learning was highlighted by analysing how Physical Sciences learning takes places. Existing research into the components of metacognition was reviewed and when the components were analysed with reference to Physical Sciences learning, the importance of metacognitive awareness in effective Physical Sciences learning was established. The metacognitive learning environment was identified as a factor that could improve learners' metacognitive awareness and existing research into metacognitive learning environments were reviewed and applied to Physical Sciences classrooms. Learners' metacognitive awareness in Physical Sciences classrooms in the Northern Cape was investigated as well as the difference between learners' metacognitive awareness in Dinaledi schools and non-Dinaledi schools. The characteristics of Northern Cape learning environments that are structured for Physical Sciences were identified and the difference between Physical Sciences learning environments in Dinaledi schools and non-Dinaledi schools was explored. A positive correlation between learners' metacognitive awareness in Physical Sciences and their Physical Sciences learning environments was confirmed. It was found, however, that the Physical Sciences learning environments did not always provide learners with the opportunity to develop their metacognitive awareness. Recommendations were made as to how the learning environments could be structured to allow for metacognitive awareness development in Physical Sciences.

[发布机构] University of the Free State