Student metacognition levels for solving PISA-like problems: A hierarchy

Abstract

The metacognitive process is frequently presented in a fragmented manner, and a limited number of integrated learning models are designed to enhance these skills. These gaps underscore the necessity for research that defines metacognitive level hierarchies, clarifies process integration, and develops effective learning models to improve metacognitive abilities in PISA-like problem solving. This study aims to identify and describe the hierarchy of students' metacognitive levels as they solve PISA-like mathematical problems, mapping the stages of metacognition demonstrated throughout the problem-solving process. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design, involving 76 students from three islands in Indonesia. Data were collected through tests, observations, and in-depth interviews, and were validated by implementing triangulation methods by comparing student answer sheets, observations, and interview results. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Then, five metacognition levels were identified: understanding the problem, thinking about the answer, comprehending how to answer, finding the answer, and being confident. Future research may focus on efforts to defragment and explore higher levels of metacognition and develop integrated learning models.