Developing the concept of metalearning

Abstract

The idea of metalearning was originally used by John Biggs (1985) to describe the state of ‘being aware of and taking control of one’s own learning’. This paper explores the concept through collaborative enquiry involving researchers and higher education teachers. An evolved conception is proposed in which metalearning is a subconcept within metacognition and self‐regulation. It is perceived as a sort of creativity that is best displayed by proactive self‐regulators for whom deliberate self‐regulated learning is a way of life. This conception is consistent with the ‘awareness’ and ‘taking control of’ elements of Biggs’ original definition. The utility of the concept is in helping people to connect thinking about their own learning (metacognition and their wider imagination) to actions and behaviours that engage them in learning strategically.

Acknowledgements

The process of collaborative enquiry used to develop the ideas and perspectives contained in this paper has helped me understand the idea of metalearning. The natural experiment involved many people and their contributions to my learning are more apparent in the formative version of this paper (Jackson, 2003a). I am very grateful to Professor Lin Norton for creating the opportunity to contribute to this learning project and to the symposium participants for sharing their knowledge and beliefs with me. I would particularly like to acknowledge the contributions made to my thinking by Professor John Cowan, Professor Barry Zimmerman, Professor Sari Lindblom‐Ylänne, Dr Ursula Lucas, Professor John Stephenson, Dr Denise Chalmers, Dr John Peters, Professor John Biggs and Russel Law, all of whom generously shared their thoughts and ideas to help me learn.

Notes

* Higher Education Academy, Network Centre, Innovation Close, York Science Park, York YO10 5ZF, UK. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Norman Jackson *

* Higher Education Academy, Network Centre, Innovation Close, York Science Park, York YO10 5ZF, UK. Email: [email protected]