Metacognitive Behaviour of Malaysian Students While Solving Mathematical Problems of Form Three Assessment (PT3)

ABSTRACT Several studies on metacognition have sought to solve mathematical problems. However, in Malaysia, there has yet to be a study investigating the metacognitive behaviour of students in solving mathematical problems of Form Three Assessment (Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga - PT3). This study was conducted to identify the metacognitive behaviour of students while solving mathematical problems in PT3 and examine differences in metacognitive behaviour among successful students (SS), partially successful students (PSS), and unsuccessful students (USS). A total of six (6) Form Three students in a school in Johor Bahru participated in this study. The research instrument used was the actual set of 2014's PT3 questions. Data were analysed using the Thinking Aloud method with reference to Foong's Taxonomy (1993), and it was supported by analysis of the students’ written work. Results showed seven types of metacognitive behaviour exhibited by the students, depending on the types of questions given. The analysis also found that each category of students showed different types of metacognitive behaviour while solving their PT3 mathematical problems. The SS group could control their metacognitive behaviour in mathematical problem-solving more regularly and frequently, the PSS students behaved moderately, while the USS group demonstrated limited metacognitive behaviour. As the results indicated differences in metacognitive behaviour among students of different performance levels, teachers should help students with weakness in solving mathematical problems implement metacognitive behaviour to strengthen their mathematical proficiency.

The Role of Metacognitive Strategies in Learning Music: A Multiple Case Study

The positive role of metacognition in music learning and practice is well assessed, but the role of musicians’ metacognitive skills in such a context is not yet clear. Teachers often state that they apply a metacognitive approach during their lessons, but students fail to acknowledge it and report that they become metacognitive learners thanks to their own practice. In this multiple case observational study the spontaneous metacognitive behaviour of a teacher during four piano lessons with expert and novice students was analysed. Data supported the notion that teachers use metacognitive strategies during their teaching practice, but students are not aware of this because a metacognitive focus on strategies, as well as a strong emphasis on monitoring, appears to be lacking. Teachers are also able to differentiate their teaching behaviour between expert and novice students. Students’ age, however, affects teachers’ behaviour more deeply than expertise. Implications for music education are discussed, highlighting the main issues that can be derived from the results and how they can be effectively used to enhance professional development and improve practice in music education.