Metacognition Protocol

Metacognition Protocol

Purpose

Self-assessment checkpoints.

When to Apply [MANDATORY CHECKPOINTS]

BLOCKING METACOGNITION REQUIRED at:

• [CHECKPOINT] Task type changes → CANNOT proceed without assessment
• [CHECKPOINT] After completing ANY task from Work Plan document → MUST evaluate before next task
• [CHECKPOINT] When encountering error or unexpected result → ASSESS approach immediately
• [CHECKPOINT] Before writing first line of new feature → VALIDATE approach first
• [CHECKPOINT] When switching between major phases → CONFIRM all gates passed

ENFORCEMENT: Skipping metacognition = CRITICAL VIOLATION

Assessment Questions

1. Task Understanding

• What is the fundamental goal?
• Am I solving the root cause or symptom?
• Do I have all necessary information?
• Are success criteria clear and measurable?
• What are the known unknowns at this point?

2. Current State

• What rules are currently loaded?
• Which rules are actually being used?
• What assumptions am I making?
• What could go wrong?

3. Approach Validation

• Is my approach the simplest solution?
• Am I following established patterns?
• Have I considered alternatives?
• Is this maintainable long-term?