Just Thinking: How Metacognitive Teaching Strategies Build Critical Thinking and Transfer Knowledge

In today’s rapidly changing world, effective leadership in education is about more than managing schools—it’s about inspiring a culture of thinking that empowers both teachers and students. As classrooms adapt to new technologies, diverse learning needs, and shifting societal demands, leaders have the responsibility to guide not just the acquisition of knowledge but the development of critical, transferable thinking skills through metacognitive teaching strategies. Research shows that students who are taught explicit thinking strategies are better able to apply what they learn across disciplines and into real-life problem-solving, making leadership in this area essential for long-term success.

So how can educators prepare students to not only absorb information but to fuel their own learning journeys—becoming adaptable, empathetic, and creative problem-solvers in a world that changes daily?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Marketing Officer of NeuraPoints, Inc., sits down with long-time friend and retired educator/professor Dawn Bailey to explore the power of metacognition, the joy of learning, and how tools like NeuraPoints can help bridge the gap between content knowledge and deep, transferable thinking. Together, they revisit decades of shared passion for empowering both teachers and students. They share stories, analogies, and practical approaches built on explicit thinking strategies to elevate thinking in today’s classrooms.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• The Apple as a Thinking Metaphor: Content is only the starting point; the deeper value comes from exploring multiple perspectives, connections, and applications that transcend the original subject.

• Human Intelligence Fuels AI: Technology can be a powerful vehicle for learning, but human intelligence—critical, reflective thinking—is the fuel that determines its direction and impact.

• The Power of Metacognition:  Modeling “thinking about thinking” for students fosters not only academic growth but also the confidence and adaptability needed for lifelong learning, making metacognitive teaching strategies an essential part of modern classrooms.

Dawn Bailey is a retired educator and professor with over 33 years in the field, having served as a teacher, gifted education specialist, coordinator, and principal. She holds a master’s degree in gifted education and educational leadership and is currently completing her dissertation. Throughout her career, Dawn has specialized in empowering teachers and students to think critically, transfer knowledge, and apply learning to real-world challenges.