Use of Metacognitive Awareness for the Optimal Utilisation of Competencies in Ill-Defined Situations: A Study of Oskar Schindler

Abstract

A grasp over the theoretical concepts directs learners to the comprehension of basic learning but mere acquisition of knowledge does not ensure the path to its applicability in the given situation. Formal education provides engineering students with an environment that allows them to have proper facilities, experts to guide, and well thought -of and critically analysed problems. Awareness of, exposure to, and practice in self-reflective and self-directed learning also known as metacognitive awareness may be put to an incredible use. Engineering education, along with technical aspects, focuses on metacognitive awareness. This qualitative case study attempts to explore knowledge and skills of the character Oskar Schindler in the highly acclaimed real life incident based movie, Schindler’s List. Oskar Schindler uses the concept of ‘simple engineering’ and makes his workers understand or execute a task by helping them understand and implement this concept successfully. This paper also documents the findings of an initiative where Oskar Schindler practically uses his competencies and metacognitive awareness to handle ill-defined or unthought-of problems efficiently, using ignorant and untrained hands.