Thinking About Thinking: Developing Metacognition in Children

Abstract

This article explores what metacognition is, why it is important and how it develops in children. It argues that teachers need to help children develop metacognitive awareness, and identifies the factors which enhance metacognitive development Metacognitive thinking is a key element in the transfer of learning. The child's development of metacognitive skills is defined as meta‐learning. Meta‐teaching strategies can help mediate the metacognitive skills of children, help to stimulate children's metacognitive thinking. The article draws on research currently being undertaken in schools in one London borough on raising achievement in thinking and learning through developing the metacognition of children as learners in school.

Key Words:

• Metacognition
• development
• children