THINKING ABOUT THINKING-METACOGNITION

Students who succeed academically often rely on being able to think effectively and independently in order to take charge of their learning.  Other students, particularly those who struggle, show more difficulties in this area.  Teachers can teach students how to wield one of the most powerful thinking tools; metacognition, or the ability to think about your thoughts with the aim of improving their ability to learn. Metacognition can be learned when it is explicitly taught and practiced across content and social contexts.  Being metacognitive can be likened to being more conscious, reflective, and aware of one’s progress long the learning path.  

How to Teach Students to Be More Metacognitive.  

*Explicitly teach students about his essential learning skill by defining the term metacognition. 

*Whenever possible, let students choose what they want to read and topics they want to learn more about.

*Look for opportunities to discuss and apply metacognition across core subjects in a variety of lessons so that students can transfer it for the most benefit.

*Model metacognition by talking through problems.  Students learn a lot from listening as their teachers use higher-order thinking strategies aloud.  

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