A Systematic Review of Group Metacognition Researches on Online and Face-to-Face Learning Environments

Abstract

Group metacognition involves a collective understanding of cognitive processes and collaborative problem-solving mechanisms within a group. This study, conducted through a systematic review of 54 studies, aims to present the evolutionary trajectory of research on group metacognition in (predominantly) online and face-to-face learning environments. It explores the definitional shifts, methodological trends, and potential connections between the quality of collaboration and studies on group metacognition in online learning environments. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used to report the study's results. In investigating determinants influencing group metacognition, the research examined the distribution of effective variables such as group size, composition, task complexity, and time constraints. This systematic review provides an overview of the evolutionary path for definitions of the group metacognition concept, accumulated methodological approaches, and key insights into studies that may be associated with group metacognition. Thus, it underscores the importance of customized interventions that appropriately consider variables that could affect group metacognition effectively.