Metacognition and Non-Cognitive Skills
Metacognition and Non-Cognitive Skills: A Sine Qua Non for Epistemically Educating Citizens
Metacognition, the awareness and regulation of one’s thought processes, alongside non-cognitive skills such as resilience, curiosity, and ethical reasoning, are indispensable for journalists and non-journalists tasked with educating citizens in critical media literacy. This is metacognition. Perkins (1992) defined four levels of metacognitive learners: tacit; aware; strategic; reflective. Metacognition is, put simply, thinking about one’s thinking. More precisely, it refers to the processes used to plan, monitor, and assess one’s understanding and performance. This is metacognition. Perkins (1992) defined four levels of metacognitive learners: tacit; aware; strategic; reflective. These skills enable individuals to:
(a) Understand the Dialectics, Mechanics, and Dynamics of Media Content
Journalists equipped with metacognitive awareness critically assess the forces shaping media narratives, such as political agendas, economic interests, and sociocultural biases. Metacognitive strategies such as planning, monitoring, and evaluating their content creation ensure that media professionals can navigate these dynamics responsibly. Non-journalists benefit from these skills by critically analyzing media content and understanding its underlying influences, thus fostering informed engagement.
(b) Detect Negative, Tendentious, Bogus, and AI-Infused Content
The exponential rise in AI-generated and bot-manipulated content necessitates metacognitive vigilance. Self-regulation, a core metacognitive component, enables individuals to evaluate sources, discern misinformation, and reflect on their biases that may render them susceptible to manipulation. Non-cognitive attributes like skepticism and open-mindedness further empower citizens to critically assess media authenticity.
(c) Empower Citizens with Metacognitive Knowledge
Critical media literacy demands a blend of cognitive and non-cognitive competencies. Metacognitive knowledge helps learners understand how to decode complex information and recognize manipulation tactics. Non-cognitive skills such as ethical reasoning ensure the responsible dissemination and consumption of media. Together, these skills cultivate a populace capable of scrutinizing media for transparency, accuracy, and bias.
Metacognition and non-cognitive skills are not merely complementary but foundational in cultivating epistemically aware citizens. As research underscores, reflection, self-regulation, and strategic learning significantly enhance one’s ability to process and critique information (Butler & Winne, 1995; Tanner, 2012). By integrating these skills into media literacy initiatives, journalists and educators can foster a society resilient against misinformation and equipped to thrive in a complex media landscape.
Metacognition and agentic learners are correlated to a variety of non-cognitive skills, such as self-awareness, self-control, growth mindset, determination, persistence, motivation, and engagement, resilience, social skills, and even imagination and inventiveness. Thus, by developing metacognitive skills and enhancing learner agency, the teachers are able to prepare their learners with these necessary non-cognitive skills that all individuals must possess especially in academic and individual endeavour
Metacognition, learner agency, and non-cognitive skills are concepts that are interrelated:
- Self-Awareness: One part of self-awareness, a non-cognitive skill, is a skill that is metacognitive in nature, namely knowing your learning style, strengths and weaknesses.
- Self-Regulation: Self-regulated learners plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning processes (the essence of metacognition); these activities necessitate high levels of self-regulation which encompasses emotion control, impulse control, and goal-directed attention.
- c. Growth Mindset: Some people consider great effort to enhance one’s abilities as a sign of being dedicated and hard working, therefore, an essential component of metacognitive development is the existence of a growth mindset. It helps learners not to just give up when they encounter problems, and instead, they try to look for better ways to learn.
- Grit and Perseverance: Using metacognition, learners acquire grit and perseverance by enabling them to recognize problems in learning and come up with remedies for those problems. With knowledge of their own learning, they can devise strategies for overcoming challenges and enhancing their motivation.
e.Learner Agency and Non-Cognitive Skills: Motivation and Engagement: With learner agency, students feel that they are in control of their own learning and this naturally stimulates intrinsic motivation and engagement. This results in children putting more effort in the task with much greater persistence and comprehension of the material.
- f. Resilience: As the learners’ self-responsibility increases, they are more likely to be able to develop resilience skills. They learn to face challenges, cope with disappointments, and progress from mistakes.
- Social Skills: In contexts of learner agency where cooperation is emphasised, high level social skills are required such as communication, working as a team and handling disagreements.
- h. Creativity and Innovation: According to the concept of learner agency, however, students are more likely to be creative or innovative as they are given scope to apply their own ideas, try different ways and be adventurous about their learning.
(6) Essential Skills for Future Journalists
Journalism remains fundamentally about gathering and reporting stories with accuracy and impact. However, modern journalists must adapt to new demands, including:
- Digital literacy: Creating multimedia content (audio, video, photography) optimized for multiple platforms.
- Audience literacy: Understanding audience needs through data analysis and engagement.
- Data-driven reporting: Extracting valuable stories from complex datasets.
- Content repurposing: Maximising reach by adapting stories into various formats; blogs, articles, podcasts, videos, infographics.
Success lies in chasing and meeting audiences where they are, rather than expecting them to come to you. This is what the BBC and many public service media (PSM) realised in order to survive the onslaught of digitalisation-driven disruption of the methods of work.
(7) Professional Storytelling with Smartphones: A Journalist’s Guide
In the digital age, storytelling is dynamic and visual. Many TV Journalists have made a breakthrough in deploying smartphones in news gathering and interviews with admirably creative competencies. The increasing use of mobile phones in journalism has revolutionised the way news is gathered, produced, and shared. With their portability, accessibility, and ever-improving technological capabilities, smartphones have become essential tools for journalists in the field. These devices enable reporters to capture high-quality photos, record audio and video, conduct interviews, and even edit and publish stories in real time—all from a single, compact device. This shift has democratized news production, allowing both professional journalists and citizen reporters to document events as they unfold, often in situations where traditional equipment would be impractical or unavailable.
(8) Mobile Journalism (MoJo) In the digital age: Mobile journalism, or “mojo,” has also transformed the speed at which news reaches audiences. Journalists can now stream live footage, upload breaking updates, and engage with audiences on social media platforms directly from their phones. This immediacy has reshaped audience expectations, creating a demand for real-time reporting and multimedia content. However, it also raises important considerations around accuracy, ethics, and the challenges of maintaining journalistic standards in a fast-paced, mobile-first environment.
Despite these challenges, the integration of mobile phones into journalism has opened up new possibilities for storytelling. From immersive 360-degree videos to interactive social media posts, smartphones allow journalists to experiment with innovative formats and reach diverse audiences. As mobile technology continues to evolve, its role in journalism will likely expand, further blurring the lines between traditional and digital media and redefining the future of news reporting.
The increasing use of mobile phones in journalism has revolutionised news production. With their portability, accessibility, and ever-improving technological capabilities, smartphones have become essential tools for journalists in the field.
These devices enable reporters to capture high-quality photos, record audio and video, conduct interviews, and even edit and publish stories in real time all from a single, compact device. This shift has democratised news production, allowing both professional journalists and citizen reporters to document events as they unfold, often in situations where traditional equipment would be impractical or unavailable.
The use of smartphones in filmmaking has gained traction across Bollywood, Hollywood, and independent cinema, with filmmakers embracing the device’s versatility and accessibility to tell unique stories. Here are some notable examples from each category:
Hollywood Movies Shot on iPhones
- ‘Tangerine’ (2015) Directed by Sean Baker, this groundbreaking film was shot entirely on iPhone 5s.
- ‘Unsane’ (2018) Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this psychological thriller was shot entirely on iPhone 7 Plus.
- ‘High Flying Bird (2019), another Steven Soderbergh project, this sports drama was shot on iPhone 8.
Global Independent Movies Shot on iPhones
1.’Détour’ (2016) Directed by Michel Gondry, this short film was shot on iPhone 7
- ‘Snow Steam Iron’ (2017) Directed by Zack Snyder, this short film was shot on iPhone 7..
- ‘And We Go Green’ (2019) This documentary used iPhone footage alongside traditional cameras to capture the world of Formula E racing.
Global Indies and Experimental Projects
(1). Night Fishing (2011) Directed by Park Chan-wook (known for ‘Oldboy’), This short film was shot entirely on iPhone 4 and (2). Détour” (2016) Directed by Michel Gondry, this short film was shot on iPhone 7
These examples illustrate how smartphones have been embraced across Bollywood, Hollywood, and independent cinema to push the boundaries of storytelling. From intimate character studies to high-concept thrillers, mobile filmmaking has proven to be a versatile and powerful tool for creators worldwide. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for smartphone filmmaking is likely to grow because it lowers the entry cost to film making or web series, further boosting traditional filmmaking and mobile cinema.
Bollywood Movies Shot on iPhones
- ‘Love Shots’ (2019) Directed by Ram Madhvani, this short film was shot entirely on iPhone XS.
- ‘Chhuri’ (2021) Directed by Manish Saini, this short film was shot on iPhone 12 Pro Max
Many producers have won accolades at Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) – Mobile Journalism (MoJo) In the digital age, the smartphone has become one of the most powerful tools for journalists. Mobile journalism, or “MoJo,” has revolutionised the way news is gathered, produced, and shared. With a smartphone in hand, journalists can capture high-quality video, audio, and photos, edit content on the go, and publish stories in real-time. However, being a professional mobile journalist requires more than just owning a smartphone—it demands skill, ethics, and adaptability.
Recommended Tools for Mobile Journalism
1.Hardware: External microphone, tripod, gimbal, lens attachments, power bank.
2.Apps: Adobe Premiere Rush (video editing), LumaFusion (advanced video editing), Snapseed (photo editing), Audacity (audio editing), Otter.ai (transcription).
- Accessories: Portable LED light, waterproof case, memory card reader.
Master Smartphone Tools For Mobile Broadcasting
This following will guide you on how to become a professional journalist using smartphones, with practical recommendations to excel in the field. Modern smartphones are equipped with advanced cameras, microphones, and editing apps that rival traditional equipment. To be a professional MoJo, you need to understand and maximise these tools:
- Camera Settings:Learn how to adjust exposure, focus, and white balance manually. Use gridlines to frame your shots according to the rule of thirds.
- Audio Quality: Invest in an external microphone (lavalier or shotgun) to ensure clear audio. Poor audio can ruin an otherwise great story.
- Stabilisation: Use a tripod or gimbal to avoid shaky footage. Smooth visuals are essential for professional-quality content.
- Non-liear Video Editing Apps: Familiarise yourself with apps like Adobe Premiere Rush, LumaFusion, or iMovie for editing videos, and Snapseed or Lightroom for photo editing.
- Camera App: Blackmagic Camera for professional quality shoots from App Store and Google Play Store
- Wirecast Go App: It is a free app that allows users to live stream video to Wirecast from their iOS camera it’s a Mac only app from Telestream
- Non-linear Audio Editor App: Audio Editor App from Studio Lab.
- Vocal Remover Apps – top vocal remover apps for mobile devices like Android and iPhone. This tool helps you to remove vocals from songs or videos effortlessly, exporting separate audio files in over 10 supported formats.. Itt also offers features like audio editing, audio extraction and conversion, noise reduction, and even pitch and volume change—all in one platform
- Mobile journalism has democratised storytelling, allowing journalists to report from anywhere at any time. By mastering your smartphone tools, adhering to ethical standards, and continuously improving your skills, you can become a professional journalist who thrives in the digital era. Remember, the smartphone is just a tool – your creativity, integrity, and dedication to the craft are what will set you apart.
Plan and Research Thoroughly: Just like traditional journalism, mobile journalism requires thorough planning and research. Before heading out, ask yourself: (a) What is the story angle? (b) Who are the key sources or interviewees? (c) What visuals and audio are needed to tell the story effectively? and (d) Use your smartphone to take notes, record ideas, and organise your thoughts. Apps like Evernote or Google Keep can help you stay organised.
Capture High-Quality Content: (a) The quality of your content reflects your professionalism. Follow these tips: (b) Video: Shoot in landscape mode for a cinematic look. Use natural light whenever possible, and avoid zooming in digitally, as it reduces quality. (c) Photos: Capture multiple shots from different angles. Use HDR mode for better dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions and (d) Interviews: Frame your subject properly, ensuring their eyes are level with the top third of the screen. Use a neutral background to avoid distractions.
Edit Like a Pro: Editing is where your story comes together. Keep these principles in mind: (a) Keep It Concise: Trim unnecessary footage and focus on the most compelling parts of your story, (b) Add Graphics and Text: Use apps to include captions, lower-thirds, and credits. This adds context and professionalism to your work and (c) Audio Mixing: Ensure background music or ambient sounds don’t overpower the dialogue. Balance is key.
Verify and Fact-Check: Mobile journalism often involves rapid reporting, but accuracy should never be compromised. Use your smartphone to: (a) Cross-check facts with reliable sources, (b) Verify user-generated content (UGC) before sharing it and (c) Use apps like Reverse Image Search to confirm the authenticity of photos or videos.
Adhere to Ethical Standards: Professional journalists must uphold ethical standards, even when working on a smartphone. Always: (a) Obtain consent before recording interviews or filming in private spaces, (b) Avoid sensationalism or misrepresentation of facts and (c) Clearly label edited or manipulated content to maintain transparency.
Publish and Engage: Once your story is ready, use your smartphone to publish it directly to social media, news platforms, or your organisation’s website. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and questions. Use analytics tools to track the performance of your content and refine your approach.
Stay Updated and Keep Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, and so should your skills. Follow MoJo experts, attend workshops, and experiment with new apps and techniques. Join online communities like the Mobile Journalism Network to stay informed about the latest trends.
Discussion Questions: 1. How can mobile journalism bridge the gap between traditional and digital media? 2. What are the ethical challenges of reporting with a smartphone, and how can journalists address them? 3. How can you ensure the quality of your content when working under tight deadlines?
Activity: Record a 1-minute news story using only your smartphone. Edit the footage, add captions, and publish it on a social media platform. Reflect on the challenges and opportunities of mobile journalism. By embracing mobile journalism, you can tell compelling stories, reach wider audiences, and redefine the future of news reporting—all from the palm of your hand.
Embracing Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Modern journalism thrives at the intersection of various disciplines. Collaboration with data scientists, designers, and developers can produce more impactful and innovative stories. Cross-functional teams can create interactive data visualizations or immersive experiences using technologies like virtual reality (VR).
Ethical Considerations in the Digital Era
Technology brings ethical challenges, including privacy concerns and algorithmic biases. Journalists must adhere to high ethical standards by: (a) Ensuring data privacy to protect sources and subjects and (c) Combating misinformation through meticulous verification and debunking false claims. Addressing bias by regularly auditing AI tools for fairness.