METACOGNITION AND STUDENT-CENTERED TEACHING STYLES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Abstract

Metacognition is considered essential in the acquisition of learning skills and knowledge transfer. This chapter reviews of literature on metacognition in early childhood for the primary reason that fundamental forms of metacognition are developed after the age of 3. An effective way of developing metacognitive skills in this age is via participation in physical education and sports program. Preschoolers use movement to learn concepts, to express their feelings and thoughts, and to communicate with others. Physical education activities particularly the use of student-centered teaching styles such as reciprocal, self-check, convergent and divergent style could help students to learn, think and solve problems, to develop basic elements of metacognition such as planning, monitoring and evaluating their actions. At the end of the chapter physical activities are presented during student-centered teaching styles. These teaching styles help young students to reflect on their own learning, and by implication, helping them to become autonomous and effective individuals throughout their entire life. © 2015 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.