Very Young Children’s Reflections as Indicators of Metacognition – Dr Helen Rowe

We talked to Dr Helen Rowe about her Doctorate of Education (EdD) research, this is what she said!

My study explored the relationship between young children’s reflections and their metacognitive knowledge (MCK). Whist there is reluctance to accept that metacognition and reflection are skills possessed by young children, the Early Years (the context of my research) are crucial in determining a range of outcomes for children and the foci for many early intervention practices.

– Dr Helen Rowe

In particular, Dr Rowe most enjoyed having the chance to work in a setting and alongside children and early years practitioners while completing her EdD.

I remain fascinated by the impact the environment can have on children and their capacity to reflect and develop metacognitive knowledge. Settings which value reflection need to consider how to promote and support it, the physical environment as well as the adult role.

– Dr Helen Rowe

At York St John University, Dr Rowe teaches on a range of subjects and topics, from child development, to working with parents and families, to representations of childhood, to criticality in education, and many more! Check out her staff profile here.