Tell pupils what it is!! Pupils need to understand what metacognition is if they
are to practise regulating their cognitive performances. The concept can be
introduced in a range of ways: Teachers can explicitly describe metacognition
and model it for pupils. Pupils can be encouraged to “think aloud” and explain
their approaches to problem-solving as they work. A few minutes of class time
can be set aside regularly to discuss metacognitive approaches to learning
Teachers should take the time to explain the concept of thinking about our own
thinking, introduce the two strands of metacognitive knowledge and selfregulation,
and familiarise pupils with the ideas of planning, monitoring and
evaluation. Presenting the concept in an explicit way is likely to resonate with at
least some of the pupils, who will be intrigued by the possibilities.