Successful learning: the role of metacognition and working memory
27 June 2025: 9 am – 12 noon
In this session, we examine the pivotal roles of metacognition and working memory and how they support learning, especially learning to read, for pupils with severe, complex, or neurodiverse learning needs.
These often overlooked cognitive processes are key to successful learning, and we share practical strategies to create more inclusive learning environments by linking metacognition and working memory.
Session 1: Understanding the Role of Working Memory and Metacognition in the Learning Process
In this session, Sarah outlines:
What is working memory?
What is metacognition?
How do these cognitive functions underpin successful learning and contribute to learning to read?
Session 2: What challenges do learners with complex needs face with working memory and metacognition?
Next, Sarah considers the impact of difficulties in working memory and metacognition for learners with complex needs. This practical session will include:
why learners often encounter difficulties in working memory and metacognition, including limited progress and memory retention issues
social withdrawal
challenges in following instructions
difficulties in multitasking and task management
Session 3: Supporting Working Memory and Metacognition in the Classroom
Next, Sarah considers how we can reinforce working memory and metacognition in the classroom. This practical session will include:
strategies for reducing cognitive overload and optimising working memory and metacognition
the significance of repetition and movement breaks
techniques for reducing anxiety and stress
Using technology to enhance the learning process, especially for those with complex needs
9 am Admission and virtual tea/coffee to start the session!
9:05 am Introduction and warm-up activity
9.10 am
Session 1: Understanding the Role of Working Memory and Metacognition in the Learning Process
In this session, Sarah outlines:
What is working memory?
What is metacognition?
How do these cognitive functions underpin successful learning and contribute to learning to read?
10.00 am Session 2: What challenges do learners with complex needs face with working memory and metacognition?
Next, Sarah considers the impact of difficulties in working memory and metacognition for learners with complex needs. This practical session will include:
why learners often encounter difficulties in working memory and metacognition, including limited progress and memory retention issues
social withdrawal
challenges in following instructions
difficulties in multitasking and task management
10.30 am Coffee
10:45 am Session 3: Supporting Working Memory and Metacognition in the Classroom
Next, Sarah considers how we can reinforce working memory and metacognition in the classroom. This practical session will include:
strategies for reducing cognitive overload and optimising working memory and metacognition
the significance of repetition and movement breaks
techniques for reducing anxiety and stress
Using technology to enhance the learning process, especially for those with complex needs
11.50 am Q & A
12 noon Plenary, thank you and goodbye!
This course will be appropriate for classroom practitioners from special schools and colleges, mainstream settings with specialist SEN provision and early years settings, and working with pupils with severe/complex learning needs and autism, or both.
Dr Sarah Moseley has over 25 years of experience working in special and mainstream education, from teaching assistant to Headteacher. In addition, she has a solid research background, including a master’s degree and PhD in Special Education, focusing on teaching reading for pupils with SEND and inclusion. Sarah has presented nationally and internationally at conferences and is a published author.
Sarah’s PhD centred on teaching reading to pupils with SLD and the impact on their feelings as learners. Her research focused on six special schools across the UK with pupils aged 11-14 years and found positive results from including all pupils in a reading curriculum.
The cost is £135 plus VAT per delegate. You can select multiple places on the booking form.
You can choose to pay by credit card for this booking. You can also request an invoice by confirming your booking by entering a Purchase Order Number on the booking form.
The recording of this event will be in your account at online.hirstwood.com. You will access this using the email address on the booking form and your password (instructions for creating your password are in the joining information).
Here you will find:
a digital recording of the event
a transcript of the Zoom chat
These will be available for 10 days after the event.
NEW for 2025!
We will suggest practical reflective practice for this event to support you in implementing your key takeaways from this session in the classroom.
We’ll also offer a toolkit of additional resources to help, which may include further documentation, videos or links to valuable resources/websites.
Please join our Facebook Group, Sensory Support Spaghetti, to connect with us and other like-minded professionals – for everything sensory!
From November 2024:
Ros: thank you so much it has been really fantastic and informative
Kat A: Thank you so much for a brilliant morning.
Christina D: Thank you so much, great session!!
Rachel R: Thank you so much. I’ve really enjoyed it and have lots of ideas to try!
