Moving towards the Explicit Integration of Metacognitive Activities In Freshman Courses.

We initiated a research study to evaluate study strategies and efficacy of course activities in helping students develop self-awareness in learning. The courses were large enrollment introductory Plant and Soil Sciences courses taught in the Fall and Spring Semesters. The courses included activities to help students develop their learning strategies. Two sets of survey were administered, the first was on student learning style using ASSIST and the second to gauge the efficacy of the activities in helping students develop learning strategies. Both surveys were administered in Survey Monkey with IRB Approval and measures to insure student confidentiality. The Application-Based Learners perceive the most development in their learning strategy skills followed by the Fact-Based Learners. Students who say they strive to see the Big Picture do not feel they are making as much progress on any of the skills.  Most students said the learning strategies emphasis in the courses was valuable to them.