MindSage Method: microlearning + metacognition
MindSage method uses a microlearning, metacognitive approach. Why? Let’s examine one part of the method at a time.
Have you ever had a class in school that required you to read a ton of chapters of a book in a short period of time? How much of what you read did you actually remember?
If you’re like most of us, the quantity of material you review does not necessarily increase the quality of learning and retention. Most of us truly comprehend and remember only a small percentage of new information we consider.
Microlearning
What is it? Microlearning is an educational strategy that breaks complex topics down into short-form, stand-alone units of study that can be viewed as many times as necessary.
Microlearning is a popular method of teaching soft skills at the corporate level.
Why it works.
There are usually only a few main points or concepts to learn.
The lessons are short enough so that the learner doesn’t get bored.
Microlearning lessons build on each other and oftentimes are repetitive. Repetition allows the points to be more easily remembered and applied.
What are some examples?
The power (both positive and negative) of microlearning can be seen in everyday life. To illustrate, suppose a young child is told that he or she is stupid, no good, lazy, or will never amount to anything. These simple statements, if mentioned regularly over many years, will have a tremendous impact the that child’s life and future.
On the other hand, if a child is commended for trying their best, encouraged to keep on trying, or praised for even small progress, those regular but very brief comments will have a tremendous impact on that child and their future.
In a similar way, the MindSage method uses simple consistent concepts that over time will help you to adjust your mindset, attitudes or habits as needed.
Let’s now consider the second part of the MindSage method: Metacognition
Keep in mind that developing soft skills is a non-academic endeavor. You can not develop new mindsets, habits, or attitudes just by reading about them. You also need to do more than read about positive traits and qualities of the highly successful in order to truly develop those traits and qualities.
The metacognitive approach of each lesson can allow you to develop and make changes that can last a lifetime.
What is it? Metacognition involves becoming aware and understanding one's own thought processes. At Mindsage we also focus on understanding what you’re feeling and why.
Our lessons have a metacognitive component that helps you become aware of how you think, feel, and act in relation to the information being discussed. We focus on four branches of self-awareness that lead to success in the workplace and in life:
Self-awareness/Acceptance
Self-Appreciation
Self-development
Self-expression
Why it works. Metacognition is perfect for developing soft skills because, unlike academic subjects, transforming your mindset or attitude can only come through self-analysis. Granted, metacognition only helps you understand how you view yourself. In order to benefit from the lessons, you’ll need to want to develop, grow and change.
What are some examples? Our lessons are full of examples. But to help you appreciate how metacognition, or becoming self-aware is beneficial, ask yourself this question: I’m I out going when in a large group? Or do I feel uncomfortable in large groups?
Whatever your answer is, ask yourself, why. What are you feeling or thinking that makes you act that way? Why do you feel or react that way in groups? Are there any soft skills, mindsets or traits, that could help you in this situation?
In the workplace and on your job, you may need to participate in large group meetings, or meeting with clients. By understanding how you think, feel and act now, and making any needed adjustments, you can more easily handle those types of situations for the rest of your life.
Metacognition in business and education
A study by Springerlink
The use of metacognitive strategies for undisrupted online learning: Preparing university students in the age of pandemic.
“Surprisingly, many students are not fully equipped with the relevant skills to excel in online learning despite being born into technology. Students are not aware of how to look inward to examine how they learn and to judge which methods are effective especially when faced with new forms of learning online because they lack metacognitive skills. Metacognition is crucial to the talent of learning.
The findings from this study affirmed that students who use metacognitive strategies in online learning are indeed capable of evaluating their understanding of the course content and are capable of adding more effort in regulating their learning process. In view of the findings, this study will be useful for course instructors and students to establish practices on how to utilise metacognitive strategies to enhance students’ learning performance as those lacking in metacognition may find themselves at a huge disadvantage.”
Final Words
Microlearning has been very popular in training over the last 10 years. It continues to be an effective approach. But hundreds and thousands of years ago microlearning was being used. Fable, proverbs, wise saying, and sage advice are all communicated through thought-provoking, powerful and effective messages with microlearning. Have you heard this saying, “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day? Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.”?
Combined with metacognition, or the practice of becoming aware of how you think and act, and why, the MindSage approach can help you develop all the traits, qualities, mindsets, and attitudes that allow you to be successful in school, the workplace and in life.
Let’s get started today.