Metacognitive control of learning and remembering

This chapter reviews research on the role of metacognition in self-directed learning, with a particular emphasis on metacognitive control. Learners can regulate their study experience to enhance learning by self-pacing study effectively, devising efficient study schedules, judiciously selecting items for study and re-study, strategically making use of self-testing strategies, accommodating study to anticipated test conditions, and using successful retrieval strategies. We review research that reveals how learners use these strategies in simple laboratory tasks and that suggests how such metacognitive skills can be improved through instruction or experience. We end by addressing the supportive role that information technology can play in the processes by which metacognition influences learning and memory.