The process of learning involves much more than mere acquisition of knowledge. It requires the learner to understand, analyse, apply, and create using the information at their disposal. One vital element that facilitates this comprehensive learning is metacognition. This concept refers to the ‘thinking about thinking’, the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought process. It is a higher-order thinking that involves active control over cognitive processes engaged in learning. In the context of English Composition Writing for Primary school students, metacognition plays a crucial role.
The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) have designed the PSLE English syllabus to encourage students to develop a range of language skills. Among these, composition writing is a crucial component. It demands not only knowledge of grammar and vocabulary but also creativity, logical thought, and a keen sense of structure and organisation. Here, metacognition serves as a crucial tool. It enables students to plan, monitor, and evaluate their writing, thereby enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of their work.
Understanding Metacognition in English Composition Writing
In the context of English composition writing, metacognition involves a keen understanding of the writing process, and the ability to effectively manage this process. Students learn to set goals, plan their writing, monitor their progress, make necessary adjustments, and evaluate the end product.
This process encourages students to become self-regulated learners. They begin to recognise their strengths and weaknesses, understand the requirements of the task at hand, and employ suitable strategies to complete the task efficiently. Metacognition, thus, enhances not only their current writing task but also fosters lifelong learning skills.
Metacognitive Strategies in Primary English Composition Tuition
Various metacognitive strategies can be incorporated into Primary English Tuition to enhance students’ composition writing skills.
1. Self-questioning: Encouraging students to ask questions like “What am I trying to achieve?”, “What details do I need?”, and “Does this sentence/paragraph help me achieve my goal?” helps students monitor their writing process and stay on track.
2. Planning and Organising: Before beginning a composition, students should plan their writing. They can start by brainstorming ideas, then organising these into a logical order. They can also decide on the style, tone, and target audience for their writing.
3. Monitoring: As students write, they should regularly check their work for coherence, clarity, and grammatical accuracy. They should also assess whether they are meeting their writing objectives.
4. Evaluating: After completing a composition, students should review their work, reflect on the writing process, and consider areas of improvement. This step helps learners understand their learning process and develop effective strategies for future tasks.
Benefits and Challenges of Metacognition
Developing metacognitive skills can provide several benefits for students. These skills can enhance their academic performance, promote independence, and boost self-confidence. Moreover, metacognition aligns well with the MOE SEAB’s objectives for the PSLE English syllabus, which aims to foster self-directed and confident learners.
However, teaching metacognition can be challenging. It requires a shift from traditional teaching methods and demands the instructor to act as a facilitator rather than a provider of knowledge. Also, some students may initially resist this approach as it demands more active involvement and responsibility for their learning.
Despite these challenges, the adoption of metacognition in English composition writing holds substantial promise. By promoting self-awareness and reflective thinking, it empowers students to take charge of their learning and equips them with the skills necessary for lifelong learning. Moreover, it provides them with the tools to tackle the PSLE examinations more effectively, thereby aligning with the broader objectives of the Primary English Tuition. Hence, metacognition, despite its challenges, proves to be an effective strategy in enhancing English Composition writing skills among primary school students.
