Metacognition is the process of thinking about learning. It’s an active process which every effective learner uses, and research shows that teaching metacognition improves learning outcomes. Many learners with dyslexia have had to learn more than their peers about how they learn; they have often had to work harder to succeed and some have tried different ways of doing things with success. However, it’s a sad fact that by the end of primary school, most dyslexics have learned more about how they fail than how they learn. This impacts self-esteem and motivation for learning. There’s a lot that educators and parents can do to help.
In this course you’ll gain some understanding of what meta-cognition looks like practically in the classroom. You’ll learn what the barriers to meta-cognition are for dyslexics, but also what strengths they may have to help. You’ll get some practical ideas and resources for things you can do to reduce those barriers and maximise those strengths.
Included in this course are some great resources; a catalogue of “higher level lower interest (hi-lo)” reading books, a leaflet about choosing the right book and all the handouts you need for the session.
Course length = 1hr 20 mins + 10 mins to do tasks
Cost = £15
Audience: SENCOs, teachers, teaching assistants, specialist teachers, parents
Resources included: Metacognition question cards, graphic organisers, slide handouts
This is a great course that is very informative but also very enjoyable to watch. It explains some of the theories around metacognition and learning, and although applicable to all learners, it relates the theories specifically to dyslexic learners. The inclusion of some of the stories of dyslexic learners through their own voices brings to life some of the realities these learners experience at school and the strategies they use to support them in their learning. I think this course fills an important gap in the material around this area of learning and would recommend to teachers and other staff who want to find out more about the theories as well as lots of practical tips and resources when working with their dyslexic learners.
I’m looking forward to reading the book when it comes out.
Hazel McPake, Support for Learning Teacher (Primary) and Dyslexia Specialist Tutor.
I thought this course was really informative and explained how you can support metacognition for the dyslexic learner. I thought the talking prompt cards were excellent and will support TAs to ask the right questions. The experiences of dyslexics from school was valuable – and sadly some of what was said is still happening today.
Claire, local authority outreach teacher for specific learning difficulties
This course was real food for thought. I like how the course is split up into smaller sections to give time to reflect on the learning. There are some great resources to look at and investigate and it is really useful to have the QR code for these. The information is really enhanced by videos and quotes from dyslexic individuals. To hear from individuals we are trying to support makes it feel even more important to try and make a difference, as they tell us how dyslexia affects their daily lives. The insight from experienced professionals also makes it very relatable.
There are really interesting visuals and I love the question prompt cards which will be very useful to use in all my roles. Thank you. I am now off to motivate my learners!
Penny, learning mentor in primary school and specialist dyslexia tutor