Metacognitive Monitoring in Test-Taking Situations: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

• In Event: Teaching Educational Psychology: From What We Know to How We Teach

Abstract

Metacognition –thinking about thinking– is a skill that can help students make better decisions in the face of uncertainty. In three studies, college students rated their confidence for each choice in a multiple-choice exam administered as part of their normal college curriculum. Data come from the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, and the United States of America. In all cultures, confidence ratings accurately predicted performance, but there were significant cross-cultural differences that probably arose from regional education practices. Pre-exam grade predictions also differed across cultures. Experience alone, measured by comparing one exam to the next, did little to improve metacognitive ability, however there was a significant benefit for students who kept track of their confidence compared to those that did not.

Authors

• Justin J. Couchman, Albright College

• Elena C. Papanastasiou, University of Nicosia

• Agni Stylianou-Georgiou, University of Nicosia

• Mariana V. C. Coutinho, Zayed University

• Alanood F Almansoori, Zayed University

• John M Vasko, University of Maryland