Describe the development of memory strategies, metacognition, and self-regulation during the early childhood years

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Children begin to use simple strategies fairly early. For example, 7 or 8 year olds use rehearsal, a strategy of repetitively naming information that is to be remembered. As children grow older, they learn other memory strategies. One memory strategy is organization which is structuring information to be remembered so that related information is placed together. Another memory strategy is elaboration which is embellishing information to be remembered to make it more memorable. Children's growing understanding of memory is paralleled by their increased understanding of all cognitive processes. This knowledge and awareness of cognitive processes is metacognition. Metacognition makes it possible for self-regulation to develop. Self-regulation is skill at identifying goals, selecting effective strategies, and monitoring accurately. It is a characteristic of successful students.