Study skills are key to academic achievement, as they provide students with the tools to manage time, absorb information, and feel prepared for exams. However, when combined with metacognitive strategies, the benefits become even more powerful. Metacognition, or “thinking about thinking,” helps students reflect on their own learning processes, allowing them to assess how well they understand a topic and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Research shows that students who use metacognitive skills—such as planning, monitoring, and evaluating their learning—perform better academically. These techniques enable students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, adapt their study methods, and become more self-directed learners.
Incorporating metacognitive techniques into traditional study skills—such as time management, note-taking, and active learning—enhances students’ ability to control their learning environment. For example, when students plan their study sessions with metacognitive awareness, they can allocate time to areas they find difficult or assess how effective their current methods are. This reflection helps them make informed decisions, leading to improved long-term retention and performance.
By combining study skills with a metacognitive approach, students not only improve academically but also develop valuable skills for independent learning. They learn to ask themselves critical questions: “What do I already know about this topic?” “What strategies are working for me?,” and “How can I improve?”
Bringing in external providers for study skills workshops, combined with a focus on metacognition, can provide a unique advantage for students. External workshops often introduce students to metacognitive practices they might not encounter in the standard classroom setting, such as how to reflect on their thinking or evaluate their learning strategies. However, for long-term impact, it is essential that these strategies are integrated into everyday classroom practices and encouraged by teachers.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating metacognition into study skills strategies strengthens a student’s ability to engage deeply with the material and take ownership of their learning. The synergy between metacognitive awareness and traditional study techniques such as note-taking, time management, and active learning creates a solid foundation for academic success and prepares students for future learning challenges.
About Learn Spark
At Learn Spark, we’re committed to empowering students, teachers, and parents to succeed. Our workshops, resources, and expert-led strategies are designed to build confidence and resilience, supporting every step of the exam journey. To learn more about our programs and resources, visit www.learnspark.co.uk and explore how we can help you or your students succeed. Good luck, and remember: with the right tools and mindset, you’ve got this!
Article produced by:
Paul Gray, Learn Spark Senior Facilitator and Managing Director.
