Teaching children metacognitive skills (an understanding of how they learn) can help raise attainment by an average of seven months according to research carried out by the Education Endowment Fund. Rising Stars' Thinking Classrooms handbook offers engaging lesson plans and activities to introduce and teach metacognition throughout a primary school, from Reception through KS1 and KS2. With Rising Stars' Thinking Classrooms you can encourage transferrable learning skills such as planning and checking, boost children's independence, resilience and approach to learning, and develop teacher confidence with embedded CPD. This comprehensive handbook also includes a clear introduction to metacognition and its benefits, pupil self-evaluation at the end of each activity, downloadable worksheets and templates, original and fun assembly ideas and fun assembly ideas and accompanying videos.

The perfect guide to help you embed metacognitive approaches to your teaching. What is metacognition and how can you use it in your teaching? Metacognition – being aware of our own ways of thinking – is popular in education, but it is not always obvious how it links to teaching practice and how to teach it explicitly. This book translates meaningful concepts from research literature not only into practical strategies to try in your classroom but also gives you the opportunity to reflect on metacognitive strategies that you already use. Key topics include: Metacognitive strategies in a range of subjects, including English and mathematics Dismantling metacognitive misconceptions How to use metacognition to improve test performance The importance of developing a growth mindset How to develop self-regulation in the classroom

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.

If the difference between a student's success and failure were something specific you could teach, wouldn't you? Metacognition is exactly that—a tool that helps students unlock their brain's amazing power and take control of their learning. Educational researchers and professional developers Donna Wilson and Marcus Conyers have been exploring and using the explicit teaching of metacognition for years, and in this book they share a practical way to teach preK-12 students how to drive their brains by promoting the following practices: * Adopt an optimistic outlook toward learning, * Set goals, * Focus their attention, * Monitor their progress, and * Engage in practices that enhance cognitive flexibility. Wilson and Conyers explain metacognition and how it equips students to meet today's rigorous education standards. They present a unique blend of useful metaphors, learning strategies, and instructional tips you can use to teach your students to be the boss of their brains. Sample lessons show these ideas in a variety of classroom settings, and sections on professional practice help you incorporate these tools (and share them with colleagues and parents) so that you are teaching for and with metacognition. Research suggests that metacognition is key to higher student achievement, but studies of classroom practice indicate that few students are taught to use metacognition and the supporting cognitive strategies that make learning easier. You can teach metacognition to your students, so why wouldn't you? This book shows you how.

Thinking about Thinking: Metacognition for Music Learning providesmusic educators with information, inspiration, and practical suggestions for teaching music. Written for music educators in multiple content areas and grade levels, the book sets forth guidelines for promoting the use of metacognitive skills among music students. Along with presenting an extensive overview of research on the topic, Dr. Benton shows how ideas gleaned from research can be put into daily practice in music classrooms and studios. General music teachers, directors of choral and instrumental ensembles, applied music teachers, future music educators, and music education collegiate faculty will find useful ideas and information here. In the current educational climate where all teachers are required to demonstrate that they encourage higher order thinking among their students, Thinking about Thinking: Metacognition for Music Learning gives music educators the tools they need to accomplish the task.

Schools for Thought provides a straightforward, general introduction to cognitive research and illustrates its importance for educational change. If we want to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all children, we must start applying what we know about mental functioning--how children think, learn, and remember in our schools. We must apply cognitive science in the classroom. Schools for Thought provides a straightforward, general introduction to cognitive research and illustrates its importance for educational change. Using classroom examples, Bruer shows how applying cognitive research can dramatically improve students' transitions from lower-level rote skills to advanced proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. Cognitive research, he points out, is also beginning to suggest how we might better motivate students, design more effective tools for assessing them, and improve the training of teachers. He concludes with a chapter on how effective school reform demands that we expand our understanding of teaching and learning and that we think about education in new ways. Debates and discussions about the reform of American education suffer from a lack of appreciation of the complexity of learning and from a lack of understanding about the knowledge base that is available for the improvement of educational practice. Politicians, business leaders, and even many school superintendents, principals, and teachers think that educational problems can be solved by changing school management structures or by creating a market in educational services. Bruer argues that improvement depends instead on changing student-teacher interactions. It is these changes, guided by cognitive research, that will create more effective classroom environments. A Bradford Book

Metacognition is known to be an important factor in academic achievement; however it is also important in a wider life context. The ability to reflect upon how we are thinking can help us to make wiser decisions in all aspects of our life. This book addresses how metacognition might be fostered in young children. Examining theories of particular relevance to primary school age children the author combines her empirical work over the last 8 years with the work of other researchers to show that children of all ages display metacognitive processing, given the right kind of environment. Drawing on evidence from psychology and education, Metacognition in Young Children brings together international research from different curriculum areas. As well as the traditional areas of science, mathematics and literacy, the author considers metacognition in physical education, art, drama and music. The book argues for a development of metacognition theory, which takes account of wider contextual and political factors. This book includes: Real classroom examples, taking account of the whole child, socio-cultural context and the curriculum Practical examples of developing metacognition across the curriculum Advice on building metacognitive environments in the classroom Development of metacognition theory Essential reading for educational psychology and research students, this book will appeal to trainee and practising teachers with an interest in facilitating young children’s development into wise and thoughtful adults. It offers practical advice supported by theory and evidence.