Abstract

Introduction:
Metacognition refers to knowledge people have about their own thought processes. It is awareness of one’s own strength and weaknesses. Interest in strategies and metacognition has given rise to the concept of a good strategy user. Some students are visual learner. On the other hand, some students are predominantly audio learner. It is extremely important for students to know their learning strength. Good students are strategic and learn by making their concepts clear. Similarly, they plan for every exam, set goals and activate relevant back ground knowledge.
Methadology:
This prospective study was conducted in eight different medical colleges of Pakistan from 1st March 2014 till 30th May 2014. Written consent was taken from all the students as well as the chairman of ethical committee/principal.
Objective:
To assess the metacognitive techniques of medical students in different medical colleges of Pakistan and to see any change in the behavior of medical students from second to final year in the method of their studies.
Results:
79% of the students in medical colleges in Pakistan were not aware of the term Metacognition. 70.09% of students every time make a plan or some sort of strategy for examination. For example 76.48% of students analyze the curriculum and try to identify the important and unimportant parts of course for examination point of view.
Conclusion:
Majority of the medical students were not aware of the term metacognition but most of them are using their metacognitive skills by making a plan before examination in Pakistan.

Key words: Group study, conceptual learning, learning strategy, medical education, study skills.