Metacognition in the Primary Classroom: A practical guide to helping children understand how they learn best

Current trends in education suggest that pupils should have more responsibility for their own learning, but how can they if they don’t understand the what, the why and the how?

This practical guide explores the idea that a metacognitive approach enables pupils to develop skills for lifelong learning. If pupils can identify the what, the why, and the how of their learning, they can begin to formulate strategies for overcoming challenges and for continuous improvement.

In this book, the authors truly engage with research into the link between metacognition and learning, and the idea that if you can effectively articulate your thoughts and strategies regarding how you learn, you might then be in a better position to take actions in order to improve and to be able to learn best. An appendix of useful resources is also included, which offers a range of activities surrounding the language of learning, reflection and metacognition, as well essential advice on how to develop metacognition in the early years (4-8), middle years (8-10), and upper years (10-13).

Metacognition in the Primary Classroom demonstrates how important it is for children to be well-enough informed to play an active role in learning better. Having the language skills to talk about your learning, and the opportunity to share ideas and strategies with others, enables all concerned to explore and develop approaches in order to learn better. This book is a crucial read for anyone interested in ensuring that pupils take an active role in their own learning.

Peter Tarrant has been involved in teaching for 36 years and is a Senior Teaching Fellow in Initial Teacher Education at the University of Edinburgh, UK. He has been involved in a number of research projects involving topics such as teacher confidence and behaviour management, developing reflective practice and using a peer learning approach towards metacognitive practice.

Deborah Holt is Programme Director of the BEd Primary Education degree at the University of Edinburgh, UK. She was a primary school teacher and headteacher before moving into Initial Teacher Education. She has been working at Moray House since 2010 where she specialises in personal, social and emotional education and is currently undertaking research in this area for her doctorate.