Metacognition

Metacognition is another component of our teaching and learning model. It is a critically important, yet often overlooked component of learning. Effective learning involves planning and goal-setting, monitoring one’s progress, and adapting as needed. All of these activities are metacognitive in nature. By teaching students these skills – all of which can be learned – we can improve student learning. There are three critical steps to teaching metacognition:

• Teaching students that their ability to learn is mutable
• Teaching planning and goal-setting
• Giving students ample opportunities to practice monitoring their learning and adapting as necessary