While parents often focus on exam results and general wellbeing, a crucial element for a child's educational achievement frequently flies under the radar. This hidden driver of success is metacognition, a skill that empowers students to take control of their own learning journey.
What Exactly Is Metacognition?
Often described as 'thinking about our thinking', metacognition involves developing an awareness of how our own mind operates. This self-awareness is then used to dramatically improve how we learn, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions. Experts Melissa Barnes and Kate Lafferty from La Trobe University explain that this capability rests on two pillars: metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive skills.
Metacognitive knowledge is the understanding we build about ourselves as learners. It includes knowing which study strategies work best for us personally and recognising the conditions that help us learn most effectively. For instance, if a child suddenly remembers forgotten homework at bedtime, it creates a perfect opportunity to develop this knowledge by considering new strategies to avoid a repeat.
Metacognitive skills are the practical actions we take, which include planning, monitoring, and evaluating. Imagine a student preparing for a maths test. They begin by planning a 20-minute revision session on one topic. As they work, they monitor their progress and notice they are stuck re-reading the same problem. This awareness prompts them to switch tactics. After the test, they evaluate the effectiveness of their approach, concluding they need more regular practice in future.
Why Metacognition Matters for Student Achievement
This skill set does not develop naturally; it must be explicitly taught. The payoff, however, is significant. Metacognition provides students with the tools to become more confident, organised, and adaptable learners, capable of applying their knowledge effectively when challenges arise.
Research strongly supports this, showing that when schools directly teach students how to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning, student outcomes and overall achievement see marked improvement.
A study conducted at a large independent school in Australia, involving 241 high school students, asked participants to assess their own understanding of key real-world skills like communication and critical thinking. After two rounds of self-assessment and feedback, many students reported a clearer view of their strengths and how to improve. However, some desired more teacher guidance, highlighting that for metacognition to be effective, students need consistent support to learn how to monitor and apply their learning successfully.
How Parents Can Foster Metacognition at Home
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing these skills. Here are four practical ways to support the development of metacognition in children of all ages.
Think Out Loud: Verbalise your own thought processes in front of your child. When planning your day, for example, explain that you are making a list and prioritising the most important tasks.
Normalise Mistakes: Show your child that errors are a natural part of learning and often signal the need for a different strategy. If you forget a grocery item, you might say, 'Next time, I'll write a list on my phone to help me remember.'
Use Routines to Build Independence: Everyday tasks like packing a school bag or planning homework schedules help children practise essential skills like planning ahead, checking their needs, and adapting when situations change.
Encourage Reflection: Prompt your child to think about their learning experiences. After school, ask questions like, 'What did you find confusing today?' or 'What could you do differently next time you forget something for school?' This habit turns everyday events into valuable learning opportunities.
