Evidence into Action Metacognition: Moving forward with new evidence
Feb 26, 2026
Tom Colquhoun, experienced secondary leader using metacognition across subjects including PE. Emily Smeaton, early years and KS1 specialist focusing on oracy in small schools. Dr Beverley Jennings, EEF programme manager who led the guidance update. They discuss new evidence behind metacognition, practical classroom strategies like modelling and scaffolding, planning-monitoring-evaluating routines, and tools to implement and fade support.
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Evidence Update Keeps Impact But Adds Strategy Detail
- The updated evidence review kept the strong average effect of metacognition (+8 months) but shifted focus to the specific strategies teachers use.
- Beverley Jennings used this to add concrete classroom strategies, refreshed case studies and clearer language in the guidance report.
Embed Metacognition In Subject Teaching
- Metacognition works best embedded in subject teaching rather than as a standalone program.
- Beverley Jennings gives examples like a Year 9 history concept map and a Year 4 science planning scaffold to show subject-specific application.
Use Guided Metacognitive Talk With Scaffolds
- Use purposeful, teacher-guided metacognitive talk with scaffolds like sentence starters to move pupils along an independence continuum.
- The guidance shows teacher modeling, paired talk and planning scaffolds in a Year 4 science lesson.