Approaches to Learning at ISW

As part of our Wednesday Programme, we spend time with our students developing their “Approaches to Learning” techniques.

Teaching secondary students how to learn with a focus on understanding the learning process is important because it helps them develop their ability to think about their own way of thinking. In educational circles we use the term metacognition, which refers to the process of thinking about one's own cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. By understanding metacognition, students can learn to become more aware of their own thinking processes and develop strategies to improve their learning, which is particularly important during the examination preparation process.

Approaches to Learning includes the ability of setting goals, monitoring progress, and adjusting as needed. An example here is mind-mapping. Additionally, metacognitive strategies can help students improve their critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in both academic and real-world settings. In short, teaching metacognition not only improves the student's academic performance but also helps them to become more self-aware, more self-regulated and more effective learners, which will benefit them throughout their lives.

Adrian Scarlett, Vice Principal, Head of Secondary ISW