Hermione Townsend

An investigation into the design of new educational systems, tools and experiences to develop, assess and track metacognition in children as an integrated part of the teaching and learning process. 

The word ‘metacognition’ describes how we think about our own thinking - or learn about our own learning - and the processes we use to regulate our own learning based on this knowledge. Much existing research shows that these skills are highly effective and are also teachable. There is a movement in education towards giving metacognition a greater role in the classroom. However, many of the traditional educational systems, tools and experiences predate such recognition. Consequently many resources being used in schools to develop these skills are ‘interventions’ or ‘add-ons’ to the current curriculum and teaching processes. Yet evidence also shows that these skills are most effective when developed as an integral part of the learning process. The aim of this research therefore is to investigate how we might (re)design learning tools and experiences with the development of metacognitive skills as a core function, to be used across learning in different contexts. Through action research and case creation methodologies a series of prototypes (digital and/or physical) will be developed and tested.

The research will also investigate ways to assess and track metacognitive skills effectively, to give insight to both the child and their teacher about their individual learning process. The scope for digital and adaptive learning technologies to facilitate this will be a particular focus.

Unstuck!

Unstuck is a digital resource that empowers primary school children by supporting them in that ‘I’m stuck!’ moment in their learning. It transforms this moment from a barrier to a starting point, prompting them to move forward through trying different strategies and reflecting on what works for them. This increases confidence, independence and awareness of their own learning patterns.

Unstuck uses the data from this process to ‘learn’ about the child and adapt to their unique learning needs. Teachers can access the data to gain valuable insights into students’ individual learning processes, in order to more effectively personalise their teaching and feedback.

Engage

The Engage Team designs physical and ​​user-friendly prompts as a medium to generate open discussion about sensitive topics, providing a more accessible way for people to participate in a safe, contained, and rich conversation about mental health. We tackle stigma and increase ‘mental health literacy’ so that nobody is afraid to speak out and seek help. The project has been developed across three countries, resulting in three different culturally appropriate solutions.