Meta-Cognition and Learning Powers
Building learning powers is based on the idea that we are all capable of becoming better learners and that through this we can help our pupils secure skills and characteristics that will prepare them for adulthood.
“To thrive in the 21st Century, it’s not enough to leave…. with examination certificates. You have to have learnt how to be tenacious and resourceful, imaginative and logical, self-disciplined and self-aware, collaborative and inquisitive” Claxton 2002.
Key principles of Building Learning Powers:
Our school has developed a language for learning through the use of meta-cognition. This has involved creating and developing an ethos, atmosphere and language of learning throughout the school. Meta-Cognition allows us to teach pupils how to deepen their understanding by encouraging them to think and communicate even more about their learning.Teaching our pupils to practice the learning powers allows them to develop the capacity to learn in challenging circumstances throughout school and wider life, maximising success. Our learning powers support the teaching of meta-cognitive skills throughout the school.
Learning Powers at Oaklands
| Explore | Connect | Persevere | Feel | Reflect |
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Explore:
Providing opportunities to explore is crucial for healthy brain development and social-emotional well-being. As children follow their curiosity and try new things, they build strong neural connections that will play a key role in learning and behaviour throughout life.
Connect:
Loving, stable and responsive relationships are fundamental to child development. Through relationships, children learn how to think, understand, communicate, behave, express emotions and develop social skills.
Persevere:
Perseverance is all about continuing to try something, even when you’re facing difficulty, failure or some delay.
Resilience is broader. It’s about overcoming negative circumstances or adversity in your life, handling your emotions, and still remaining healthy and competent.
Feel:
Recognising your emotions and learning to manage them is one of the most important skills you can have. In fact, people who are good at noticing how they feel and can calm themselves down or adjust their behaviour are more likely to do well in life, have healthy relationships, and manage difficulties and setbacks.
Reflect:
By developing reflection skills, children are learning that they can always improve, no matter how fantastic their learning has been. They are also learning to value and learn from mistakes, and see them as part of the learning process.
How can Parents and Carers Help?