Relationship between Accuracy in Ability Perception, Academic Performance, and Metacognitive Skills among Engineering Undergraduates

Abstract

A quantitative study using cross-sectional descriptive research design was conducted to investigate engineering undergraduates’ accuracy in perception of cognitive ability and its relationship with academic achievement and metacognitive skills. A total of 465 second year UTM students from an engineering degree programme were involved in the study. Results of their cognitive ability tests were compared to responses from self-report assessments of matched domains of ability. The discrepancy between tested and self-reported responses was then compared to academic achievement and metacognitive skills. Results indicate that high achievers are more accurate in their perception of their ability compared to students with lower level of achievement. Similar patterns were observed for metacognitive skills where undergraduates with the most accurate perception of ability show the highest level of metacognitive skills. Results also show significant positive correlation between metacognitive skills and academic achievement. Accuracy of one’s perception of ability may have something to do with the ability to think about thinking (metacognition). Findings from this study would not only provide evidence regarding the role of metacognition in influencing perception of ability and the possible outcome on academic achievement, but more importantly, such information can have an impact on the process of teaching and learning as well as academic advising. Steps in helping students to increase their metacognitive skills and gain more accurate estimation of their ability are suggested.