Minding the Brain Metacognition With Brendan Conway-Smith – #96
Jan 1, 2026
Brendan Conway-Smith, a PhD candidate in Cognitive Science, dives into the world of metacognition, explaining how it helps steer our thoughts and emotions. He reveals its significance in learning and therapy, suggesting that metacognitive skills can be developed through deliberate practice. Brendan discusses the link between technology and rising youth anxiety, offering practical strategies to combat digital overload. He also highlights mindfulness as a key component of metacognition and provides tips for enhancing attention control through simple exercises.
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Metacognition As Steering Your Mind
- Metacognition means steering your own mind by directing attention, emotion, and thought deliberately.
- Brendan Conway-Smith says mastering this skill is crucial for happiness and fulfillment.
Metacognition Predicts Learning And Mental Health
- Low metacognitive skill links to poorer learning and excessive rumination.
- Teaching metacognitive skills improves learning and is central to cognitive therapy, says Brendan Conway-Smith.
Practice Specific Metacognitive Skills
- Practice deliberately in a specific metacognitive subskill to improve it, like attention or emotion control.
- Brendan Conway-Smith advises focused practice transfers to more complex, real-world situations.