Self-Monitoring in the Classroom and Life

Self monitoring is the cognitive ability that we use when we are aware of what we are doing in the present moment. Is also includes the thoughts that we have about the experience we are being aware of. As a cognitive skill, it guides our attention so that we aren’t wasting mental energy. It tells us if things are going right or wrong and any necessary revisions.

Self monitoring answers big questions in real time. It might guide questions like, do I understand this? what am I doing wrong, how can I improve this? What’s next? It prevents reactive solutions by prioritizing simultaneous error handling.

What Does Bad Self-Monitoring Look Like

Imagine reading a chapter for your favourite topic. Halfway through a page you realize that you’ve really just been thinking about Bridgerton theories. So you go to the top of the page and start reading again, but none of the information seems familiar at all.

This simple situation shows how we can prevent wasted effort, plan for better outcomes, and redirect our attention.

When done incorrectly, self monitoring does not guide error handling, attention shifting, or better planning. We submit assignments with mistakes, fail to learn, and cannot imagine better strategies.