A writer observes herself at work at the request of her writing tutor.

The development of metacognitive abilities in students is increasingly recognized as a key factor in enhancing learning outcomes. As educators strive to strengthen these skills in their students, it is essential that they develop a catalogue of specific techniques for metacognitive instruction. At the Gilliam Writers Group, we feel that internet-based tutors are uniquely positioned to foster these skills, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic’s “mainstream-ification” of remote learning platforms. This blog post delves into practical strategies and innovative tools that online writing tutors and other educators can employ to develop their students' metacognitive abilities. By focusing on these techniques, tutors not only improve their students' academic outcomes, but equip them with the crucial ability to think about their own thinking, a cornerstone of lifelong learning.

Understanding the Importance of Metacognition

Metacognition, often termed as "thinking about thinking," is crucial in education for several reasons. Firstly, it aids students in better comprehending and retaining information, as they become more aware of how they process and store knowledge. Secondly, it plays a vital role in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In a world where information is abundant and constantly evolving, the ability to critically evaluate and adapt to new information is invaluable. Metacognition also fosters adaptability, allowing students to adjust their learning strategies in diverse and changing environments. Understanding the significance of metacognition sets the stage for educators to effectively impart these skills.

1. Explicit Instruction in Metacognitive Strategies

The first step in teaching metacognition is to explain its concept and significance to students. This involves introducing them to specific strategies such as self-questioning, which encourages them to actively engage with the material by asking themselves questions about the content. Goal setting is another important strategy, guiding students to set clear, achievable objectives for their learning. Additionally, self-evaluation helps students assess their own understanding and identify areas needing improvement. Educators should illustrate how these strategies can be applied in various learning contexts, thereby making students active participants in their learning process.

Tutor Tip: Online writing tutors can use interactive presentations to explain metacognitive strategies. For instance, they might present a slide show that demonstrates the process of self-questioning, showing how to dissect a writing prompt into key components and then forming questions that guide research and structure.

2. Modeling Metacognitive Strategies

Modeling is a powerful tool in teaching metacognition. By verbalizing their own thought processes during problem-solving, educators can demonstrate how to approach tasks analytically and reflectively. For instance, a teacher solving a math problem might explain their reasoning behind each step, thereby illustrating how to break down complex tasks and consider alternative methods. This approach not only teaches students specific strategies but also shows them how these strategies are applied in practical scenarios.

Tutor Tip: Using Zoom or another video meeting platform, an online writing tutor can share their screen during session to demonstrate the editing process for a written work. They can verbalize their thoughts as they identify thesis statements, for example, or evaluate argument strength, or check for coherence, thereby illustrating analytical and reflective approaches to writing.

3. Fostering a Reflective Learning Environment

Creating a learning environment that encourages reflection is essential for developing metacognitive skills. This can be achieved through various methods such as regular classroom discussions where students are encouraged to share their learning experiences and strategies. Learning journals or self-reflection essays are other effective tools, allowing students to document and reflect on their learning journey. Through these activities, students learn to critically evaluate their learning processes, identify what works best for them, and make informed adjustments to their strategies.

Tutor Tip: At GWG, we often ask our writing tutoring students to maintain digital learning journals. After each writing task, students reflect on their strategies, challenges, and what they learned. Tutors can then review these journals and provide feedback, guiding students to recognize patterns in their writing process.

4. Incorporating Self-Assessment

Self-assessment is a pivotal technique in metacognition, empowering students to evaluate their own learning and performance. By using tools like checklists and rubrics, students can independently assess their understanding and identify areas where they need improvement. This process encourages a deeper engagement with the material, as students are not just passively receiving information but actively analyzing their comprehension and skills. For example, after completing an assignment, a student might use a rubric to gauge the quality of their work, reflecting on aspects like argument clarity, evidence use, or creativity. Educators can guide students in creating their own assessment criteria, further enhancing their ability to critically evaluate their work.

Tutor Tip: Generally, writing tutors can foster this metacognitive technique by providing digital rubrics for students to self-assess their writing. After completing a draft, students would use the rubric to evaluate aspects like clarity, organization, and evidence support. This encourages active engagement with the material and a deeper understanding of writing standards. Eventually, the student should be asked to develop their own rubric for each new assignment or project, as well as a more general or “universal” rubric to be used in evaluating all their work. The rubric should be revised each semester or year to reflect their shifting goals.

5. Promoting Goal Setting and Planning

Effective learning is often goal-oriented, and teaching students how to set and plan for achieving their goals is a crucial metacognitive skill. Educators can assist students in setting specific, achievable learning objectives and developing structured plans to attain them. This process involves breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, thereby making the learning journey more approachable and less daunting. In a classroom setting, this might involve guiding students to set weekly or monthly learning targets, along with a plan detailing how they intend to achieve these targets, including timelines and resources needed. This practice not only enhances organization skills but also instills a sense of responsibility and autonomy in learners.

Tutor Tip: A metacognitively informed writing tutor should guide their students in setting specific writing goals and creating plans to achieve them. This might involve breaking down a large writing project into smaller tasks with deadlines. Online writing tutors can make this break-down especially effective by using online tools like shared calendars, tailored Google Docs, or task management apps to track progress over time.

6. Encouraging Metacognitive Dialogue

Creating opportunities for students to engage in discussions about their thinking and learning processes is another effective way to foster metacognitive skills. Group discussions, peer-review sessions, and collaborative learning activities can serve as platforms for such dialogues. During these interactions, students can share their learning strategies, challenges, and insights, gaining different perspectives from their peers. For instance, a group project might include a session where each member explains their approach to solving a part of the task, thus exposing the group to diverse problem-solving methods. This practice not only enhances understanding and empathy among students but also broadens their repertoire of learning strategies.

Tutor Tip: During online writing classes or writers’ workshops that bring together multiple students at once, tutors can facilitate discussions wherein the attendees share their writing strategies and challenges with each other. This could take place in the form of peer review sessions, with students providing feedback on each other’s drafts to gain exposure to different writing styles and approaches.

7. Teaching How to Monitor Progress

Monitoring progress is a key component of metacognition, enabling students to track their journey towards their learning goals. Educators can teach students to use various techniques for this purpose. For instance, progress graphs or learning diaries offer visual and reflective means for students to chart their advancement. Regular check-ins, whether through informal discussions or structured assessments, also provide opportunities for students to evaluate their progress. This ongoing monitoring helps students to recognize their achievements, identify areas where they may be struggling, and make necessary adjustments to their learning strategies. It fosters a sense of accountability and motivates students to stay engaged and on track with their goals.

Tutor Tip: Online writing tutors should consider the benefits of teaching their students to use digital tools like progress tracking apps, advanced writing and editing programs, or online portfolios. For instance, they might have their students regularly update their portfolios with their written works, allowing them to visually track their progress and development over time.

8. Utilizing Metacognitive Prompts

Metacognitive prompts are questions or statements that encourage students to think about their thinking. These prompts can be integrated into various aspects of learning, from classroom discussions to written assignments. Questions such as “What strategies are you using?”, “How is this approach working?”, and “What could you do differently?” prompt students to reflect on and articulate their thought processes. This practice not only enhances their awareness of their learning strategies but also encourages them to consider alternative methods and approaches. Such prompts can be particularly effective in encouraging deeper engagement with material and fostering a more active and self-directed learning experience.

Tutor Tip: In written assignments, the tutor can include reflective questions that prompt students to consider their writing strategies. For example, prompts like “How did you develop your thesis?” or “What challenges did you face in structuring your argument?” encourage students to think critically about their writing process.

9. Integrating Technology to Support Metacognition

Incorporating technology into teaching metacognitive skills offers a contemporary and engaging way to support students' learning processes. Educational technologies, such as learning management systems, apps, and platforms that provide analytics and feedback, enable students to track and evaluate their learning in real-time. Features like quizzes, self-reflective journals, and interactive activities can be powerful tools in enhancing metacognition. They allow students to receive immediate feedback, reflect on their performance, and adjust their strategies accordingly. Technology also provides diverse and customizable learning experiences, catering to different learning styles and needs, thus making metacognitive development more accessible and effective.

Tutor Tip: Writing tutors can use online platforms that provide real-time analytics on student writing. If used under the guidance of a teacher, tools like grammar and style checkers can also benefit students’ writing by providing immediate technical feedback, allowing them to reflect on and adjust their strategies. Interactive writing activities or games can also be used to engage younger students in developing their writing skills.

Conclusion: Shaping Reflective and Strategic Thinkers

Teaching and enhancing metacognitive abilities is a nuanced and dynamic process that requires ongoing effort, patience, and adaptability from educators. By incorporating a range of techniques, from explicit instruction and modeling to the integration of technology, writing tutors and other educators can significantly bolster students' capacity for metacognitive thinking. This leads to more effective learning, better preparation for future challenges, and the development of lifelong skills essential for personal and professional growth. Ultimately, the goal of education (including writing tutoring) transcends academic proficiency. Today’s educators must strive to cultivate individuals who are not only well-informed but also adept at forging new paths –critically, creatively, and collaboratively – through our ever-evolving world.