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– Concerns and Strategies –

Metacognition

Metacognition

Dylan Wiliam, an Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment, tells us, "Students have tremendous insights into their own learning from a very early age." He describes metacognition as: 

So metacognition is, really, managing your own learning to make sure you’re actually using your brain in the most effective possible way, checking that you’re actually on track, being aware of the fact that this isn’t going as it should, thinking about how to get help, thinking about resources... all the things that you do to manage your thinking most effectively.

He tells us that the research supports that we are able to teach students these "thinking about thinking" skills.  View the Dylan Wiliam video to learn more.

Strategies to Support Metacognition

  • Check-Lists

  • Use a clock or timer so your child can monitor how much time they are spending on an assignment (See Pomodoro Technique)

  • Self-Monitoring Strategies

  • Model Metacognition for your child

    • Reviewing and revising plans

    • Discussing ways of avoiding errors

    • Think out-loud - promotes reflection and greater awareness of task processes

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