Using metacognition during exams – a guide for teachers and students

1. Explain and explore what metacognition is

It’s no good showcasing metacognitive strategies without understanding what it is. There is a plethora of information freely available (see our wiki with information by clicking here), but compile the information in a format easily understood and accessible to your students. Explaining what metacognition is should not be a long, drawn-out process, especially if you are introducing the concept nearer to the exam period. Help students understand a definition, and briefly explore what this means to them in terms of the internal dialogue they should use when faced with an exam challenge. Use this teacher resource (powerpoint) to use with your students when introducing and exploring metacognition (coming soon).

Download and share the hand-out below to your students, helping them remember to use and apply their metacognitive skills during the exam, and for part of a whole-class discussion about revision and dealing with difficult questions during the exam.