Free Online CPD Course: Metacognition (with Certificates)

How can we help students become more independent, reflective and effective learners?

Metacognition — often described as “thinking about thinking” — is one of the most powerful, evidence-informed approaches to improving student outcomes.

That’s why we’re excited to offer a free online CPD course for teachers: Metacognition, written by Jonathan Firth

Why Metacognition Matters in International Schools

In international schools, students are often expected to:

Adapt to rigorous curricula such as IGCSE, IB or British programmes
Revise independently for high-stakes examinations
Navigate learning in an additional language
Develop resilience and academic confidence

Metacognitive strategies help students:

Plan their approach to tasks
Monitor their understanding
Evaluate their learning strategies
Become more independent learners
Improve long-term academic performance

For exam-focused environments, metacognition can directly strengthen revision, problem-solving and extended writing.

About the Course: Metacognition for Teachers (By Jonathan Firth)

Written by education expert Jonathan Firth, this course explores the theory and practical application of metacognition in the classroom.

Throughout the course, you will:

Understand what metacognition is — and what it isn’t
Explore the research behind metacognitive strategies
Learn how to explicitly teach planning, monitoring and evaluation
Discover ways to embed metacognitive thinking into lessons
Avoid common misconceptions about “independent learning”

The course combines cognitive science with classroom-ready strategies, ensuring practical impact.

By completing this CPD course, you will be able to:

Model effective thinking processes for students
Design tasks that promote reflection and self-regulation
Improve the quality of student revision
Strengthen exam preparation strategies
Support students in becoming more autonomous learners

Whether you teach primary, secondary or iGCSE-level classes, metacognitive approaches are applicable across subjects.

Flexible, Free and Certificate-Accredited

Our CPD courses are built for busy educators. Each course:

Takes around 1 hour to complete
Is fully online (learn anytime, anywhere)
Is completely free
Comes with a certificate of completion

Whether you’re looking to refresh your practice, develop new skills, or strengthen your CPD portfolio, you can complete these courses.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

International school teachers
Secondary and IGCSE educators
Primary teachers
Heads of Department
Instructional coaches
Teachers interested in cognitive science

If you’re searching for:

Free metacognition CPD for teachers
Online professional development for international schools
Metacognitive strategies for exam preparation
Evidence-informed teaching course with certificate

— this programme was designed for you.

Perfect for international school contexts

International schools are diverse by nature. Teachers often work across cultures, languages, and educational systems, and professional development needs to be both high-quality and adaptable.

Seneca’s CPD courses help you build confidence in areas that matter most in international settings, supporting students effectively, strengthening teaching practice, and developing your professional toolkit.