At St Martin's School, a transformative workshop was held focusing on enhancing teacher professional development through the lens of metacognition. The session explored the Universal Thinking Framework, embodied cognition, and the use of graphic organisers, equipping educators with practical, hands-on strategies to foster self-regulated learners. The enthusiastic reception from teachers underscores the potential of these structural learning concepts. This innovative approach to professional development offers a compelling model for senior school leaders seeking to elevate teaching and learning in their institutions.
On the 18th of April, St Martin's School embarked on a journey to enhance their focus on metacognition, a critical component of effective learning. A workshop was facilitated to explore the principles of metacognition and how it could be integrated into the school's learning framework.
Metacognition, often referred to as 'thinking about thinking', is a crucial skill that enables learners to monitor and control their cognitive processes. It involves awareness of one's own learning and the ability to regulate that learning. This is where the Universal Thinking Framework comes into play. This framework breaks down learning into manageable chunks, making it easier for students to understand and process information. It encourages students to think about their thinking, thereby developing their metacognitive awareness.
Why is this important for students? Metacognitive awareness empowers students to take control of their learning. They become more efficient learners, able to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning strategies. This not only enhances their academic performance but also fosters lifelong learning skills.
Hands On Learning
The workshop at St Martin's School also delved into the concept of embodied cognition, highlighting the importance of our hands in learning. Embodied cognition is the theory that many features of cognition are shaped by aspects of the body beyond the brain. This means that our physical interactions with the environment play a crucial role in how we acquire and use knowledge. In a classroom setting, this could translate to hands-on activities, experiments, and physical demonstrations that make learning more engaging and effective.
Another effective learning principle explored was the use of graphic organisers. Visual aids in the classroom are essential tools for enhancing students' understanding and retention of information. Graphic organisers help to structure information, making it easier for students to see connections and relationships between concepts. They cater to visual learners and can make complex information more accessible.
Collaborative CPD
In conclusion, the workshop at St Martin's School served as a platform to explore and integrate key principles of effective learning. By focusing on metacognition, embodied cognition, and the use of graphic organisers, the school is taking significant strides towards enhancing the learning experience for its students. These principles not only make learning more engaging and effective but also equip students with skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
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