Why Thinking About Thinking Matters: How Metacognition Unlocks Learning
Every parent wants their child to become an engaged, capable learner.
A learner who takes initiative, asks good questions and faces challenges with confidence and resilience.
It’s not just about getting ‘good grades’, but developing the mindset and skills to learn independently, think critically and bounce back when things get tough.
The secret ingredient?
Metacognition.
So, What Is Metacognition?
In simple terms, metacognition is the ability to think about thinking and how you learn. It’s being able to step back and ask questions like:
What is this problem asking me to do?
What strategy can I use here?
Is the strategy I chose working?
What could I try instead?
This skill helps students pause, make sense of what’s being asked and choose a strategy to solve the problem instead of rushing in and hoping for the best. And it helps them reflect and consider other options if things aren’t going as planned.
How Metacognition Makes A Difference
Developing metacognition helps in all aspects of life, not just with school.
According to the NSW Department of Education, “Metacognition… is a predictor and facilitator of independent, life-long learning, as well as critical thinking ability.”
When a child develops their metacognitive skills, they have the tools to take control of their learning process.
Reflecting on how they learn best helps them move from being passive recipients of information to becoming active participants in their own education.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
They try different ways of solving a problem instead of getting stuck.
They ask better questions because they’re aware of what they don’t know.
They feel more confident making decisions and evaluating their progress.
They become more invested in their own goals and motivated to strive for higher aspirations.
They realise that learning can take place anywhere, not just in the classroom!
Metacognitive learners are more independent, more resilient and more motivated, not because they never struggle, but because they know what to do when they do.
And the best part? This kind of thinking transfers! It helps in sport, music, friendships, planning, problem-solving and life.
Metacognition Helps Develop a Growth Mindset
We talk a lot about how important a growth mindset is for learning. And metacognition is a powerful tool to help build one.
When children start to think about how they’re thinking and learning, they begin to see mistakes as part of the process, not something to fear.
This kind of thinking helps them move beyond fixed ideas like “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this… yet” and toward a mindset that values effort, strategy and progress. Over time, that mindset shift builds confidence, resilience and a deep belief in their own ability to grow.
Looking for ways to help build this at home? Our blog post, 5 Ways to Empower Your Child With a Growth Mindset,is a great place to start.
How Tutoring Builds Metacognitive Skills
A good tutor doesn’t just explain content. They guide your child in how to approach problems metacognitively. To think about their thinking and to spend time reflecting on possible strategies and things they’ve tried.
Here’s how that works in practice:
Slowing down the process: instead of racing to get started, tutors pause and ask, “What’s your plan here?” or “Tell me why you chose that method.”
Modelling thinking aloud: tutors show students how to verbalise their process, including the messy, uncertain parts.
Creating a safe space for mistakes: without the pressure of a classroom, kids feel more comfortable taking risks and trying new strategies.
Tracking progress: tutors help students notice they’re improving, not just that they got the right answer.
Celebrating thinking, not just answers: when a child chooses a better approach or identifies their own mistake, that’s a huge win!
Over time, this leads to more than better grades. It creates a child who is curious, reflective and increasingly in control of their own learning.
How You Can Support Metacognition At Home
Tutoring helps build this skill, but parents can encourage it too. Here are a few things you can try at home:
Ask questions like “What helped you learn that?” or “What would you try next time?”
Praise strategy and effort: “You noticed that wasn’t working and switched tactics, well done!”
Model your own thinking: “I made a mistake here. Let me figure out why.”
Allow time for reflection. Don’t rush straight to corrections.
It’s never too early to start! You can use these strategies with phonics or fractions and everything in between.
Want to support your child in building metacognition? Book your free consultation call today with one of our experienced tutors and discover how one-on-one support can help your child become not just a better learner, but a more confident one too.