Research School Network: Supporting student success: the power of metacognition in the classroom Stewart Pinnock explains how metacognition can empower students to become active agents in their learning.

What is metacognition and why is it important?

Metacognition is the ability to reflect on and regulate one’s own thinking processes. It involves an understanding and an awareness of how we learn, think and problem-solve. Although metacognition is often thought of as thinking about thinking or learning about learning, it also requires us to recognise and manage our own learning behaviours.

Metacognition involves students being able to plan, monitor, evaluate and then make changes to their own learning habits. This self-awareness is not only beneficial for academic success but also for supporting lifelong learning.

Why metacognition matters for teachers and students

According to the EEF Toolkit, metacognition is rated as very high impact for very low cost based on extensive evidence. Integrating metacognitive approaches into teaching practices has the potential to lead to an average of 7+ months additional progress for students.

Metacognition is important because it empowers students to take ownership of their learning. By understanding how they learn best, students can develop personalised strategies to tackle challenges effectively. This self-awareness encourages students to develop independence, autonomy and agency, all crucial attributes for lifelong learning.

Metacognition also enhances students’ problem-solving skills. When equipped with metacognitive strategies, students can approach tasks strategically, monitor their own progress and adapt their approaches if needed. This not only improves academic performance but also promotes resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Metacognition additionally fosters deeper understanding and retention of content. When students engage in metacognitive processes, they actively process information, making meaningful connections and anchoring knowledge in long-term memory.

Empowering disadvantaged students: the transformative role of metacognition

Metacognitive skills serve as powerful tools for overcoming barriers to academic success, empowering disadvantaged students to navigate their learning journey with greater confidence.

By instilling a sense of agency and self-awareness, metacognition nurtures resilience in disadvantaged students, enabling them to persevere in the face of adversity and therefore allowing equitable access to educational opportunities.

Some practical strategies for applying metacognition in the classroom

Teachers play a vital role in supporting metacognition in the classroom. Strategies might include:

• Explicit instruction: Explicitly teach students about metacognition, providing them with examples of metacognitive strategies such as goal-setting, monitoring and self-reflection.
• Metacognitive questioning: Questions such as ​“What do I already know about this topic?” or ​“What strategies can I use to solve this problem?” prompt students to engage in reflective thinking and self-assessment.
• Think-alouds: When teachers verbalise their own thought processes as they solve problems or analyse texts, students are given access to the strategies employed by experts.
• Reflection activities: Provide prompts for students to reflect on their learning experiences, to identify areas of strength and to set goals for improvement.
• Peer collaboration: Working with peers not only exposes students to diverse perspectives but also provides opportunities for metacognitive dialogue, where students can articulate their thought processes and learn from each other.

Embracing Metacognition: Cultivating Lifelong Learners

By integrating metacognitive strategies into their practice, teachers can empower students to become active agents in their own learning, equipped with the skills and mindset necessary for success in school and beyond.

Metacognition can promote resilient, resourceful and reflective individuals who are ready to tackle the challenges life will bring.