Ensuring Transfer of Strategies by Using a Metacognitive Teaching Framework

The Metacognitive Teaching Framework (MTF) is explained from the initial teacher-directed think-aloud through to students’ independent use of cognitive strategies. The four stages of the MTF are described and tips for implementation are offered. Using questioning as an example, the authors work through what this looks like from stage 1 through stage 4 in order to scaffold implementation of this framework in the classroom. Educators should be able to replicate this model, ensuring students’ growth toward independent application of strategies. Student data related to the authors’ collaborative work with middle level students is shared to provide evidence of the success of this framework.