Functions And Training Of Meta-cognition In Solving Maths Problems

Meta-cognition is the study of various aspects of human cognitive operation, and the monitoring, controlling and adjusting of human cognitive operation. It includes meta-cognition knowledge, meta-cognition experience and meta-cognition monitoring. The essence is a man's self consciousness and self monitoring of his cognitive activities.Problem-solving model is an important form in school education and a major part of maths teaching reform nowadays. Maths problems to be solved have the characteristics of acceptiveness, obstruction and exploredness. The general steps of problem-solving model include reading the problem, restating the problem, selecting solving strategies, solving the problem. The main strategies used in solving maths problems are aim strategies, apperception strategies, model identifying strategies, problem transforming strategies, specializing strategies, reverse thinking strategies and unitariness strategies. The major aim of maths teaching in middle schools is to improve students' capability in solving maths problems.Solving maths problems is a creative maths thinking activity. In this process, the leading function of meta-cognition knowledge of maths is presented on its controlling procedural knowledge, directing and supporting contextual knowledge, gathering evaluation knowledge and adjusting meta-cognition experience.Through the questionnaire of maths meat-cognition for students, the author finds that students' maths meta-cognition capability can be improved. There are following ways to train this kind of capability: students get the capability in their maths cognition activities, specialized meta-cognition training or under the teachers' guidance in their maths learning process, among which teachers' guidance is the main element. First of all students should adjust and optimize their learning mentality consciously, then teachers train students' habit on their self evaluation, self monitoring and self-questioning by teaching students meta-cognition knowledge with pertinence, and strengthen the teaching of the process of how maths knowledge starts and develops.With all these methods, teachers can help students improve their capability of solving maths problems.