From the Beginning: Introducing Metacognition and Thinking Skills in Initial Teacher Education

Abstract

During a recent discussion with a group of student teachers regarding their personal philosophy and aims in terms of their future role, their responses ranged from ‘I want to inspire children to do things they never thought they could do’ to ‘I want the children in my class to think for themselves’ and ‘I want to make a difference to children's lives’. Interestingly none mentioned the National Curriculum or SATs tests; all were concerned with developing those qualities associated with enabling children to discover their own intelligences and potential, and equipping them to think critically, creatively and philosophically.