Tooled Up Education

This week at Tooled Up we’re thinking about thinking: engaging children’s curiosity, thinking about how the brain works, and using ‘metacognitive approaches’ to ensure they study, learn and revise in the best way possible.

Metacognition is the process of thinking about your learning. Encouraging metacognition in children can build more resilient, efficient learners who can organise themselves and reflect on their progress. A great place to start is this webinar with Science teacher and advisor Liz Keable, full of strategies to use at home. Follow that by listening to Patrice Bain, author of A Parent’s Guide To Powerful Teaching, and her strategies that parents can use to optimise learning.

As parents, we can play a powerful role in modelling a love of learning. If you are wondering how to do that, check out some of the resources on this useful list. Whether you have a baby or a teen, there are actions we can take to encourage a sense of wonder about the world around us. 

Most children will likely have tests or assessments at some point over the school term. Following any assessment, it is good to encourage children to think about what went well and where they could make further progress. Praise them for taking any feedback on board. If they do well in a test or assessment, try to praise their effort rather than their performance. Our interview with cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Paul Howard-Jones nudges us to take our children ‘aback’ when delivering praise; if it feels surprising, it is more likely to motivate. 

For parents who are helping teens prepare for school mocks or higher stake exams, don’t forget to download our helpful revision resource that gets young people thinking about ‘what works’ when it comes to organisation, memorisation and learning. As a family, listen back to this podcast with brain scientist, Duncan Astle who reiterates the importance of sleep for all learners.