Research abstract

Metacognition: Thinking About Thinking Improves Learning

How often do you learn an important concept in school only to retain it for the test and forget about it later? Wouldn’t it be great if you could store that information away forever? Metacognition could be the answer. By MARCELA SALAZAR

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Research shows that metacognition strategies, or thinking about thinking, are helpful in achieving meaningful learning. Use of these strategies allows you to apply your knowledge to new and different situations. It takes awareness, effort, and reflection to develop metacognitive skills.

Thinking about thinking improves learning.

There are a number of metacognitive strategies to assist students in analyzing material, including evaluation, self-assessing, critiquing, and revising. Through this process, you can develop into an effective problem-solver. If employed correctly, metacognition strategies can help students evolve into responsible and independent learners. Teachers that use metacognitive strategies in their lessons can help students develop into successful lifelong learners.

Key takeaways

  1. Metacognition is thinking about what you’re thinking about.
  2. Metacognition is a new term for mindfulness which has been practiced for thousands of years.
  3. Metacognition helps kids identify their personal strengths and weaknesses as learners.

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Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.