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.
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
In your conversations with your child about creating plans for self-regulation you will ask her to think about her behavior, feelings and thinking. As she practices thinking about thinking in her conversations with you, recognize her use of this skill and let her know of your appreciation for her effort.
You just said that you at first thought that you could get everything done in time and you didn't have to plan, but now you realize the way your were thinking was wrong. You thought you could do something without even figuring out if it was really possible. Some people call that a reality check. It shows me that you are thinking about your own thinking and I think that's great. The better we get at thinking about our own thinking the more advanced our thinking can become. If you work at it, you will become a very accomplished thinker.
Along with your conversations, tools that can support metacognitive skills include:
You just said that you at first thought that you could get everything done in time and you didn't have to plan, but now you realize the way your were thinking was wrong. You thought you could do something without even figuring out if it was really possible. Some people call that a reality check. It shows me that you are thinking about your own thinking and I think that's great. The better we get at thinking about our own thinking the more advanced our thinking can become. If you work at it, you will become a very accomplished thinker.
Along with your conversations, tools that can support metacognitive skills include:
- 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