Specific and general transfer effects following metamemory training.

Examined the effects of metamemory training on both metamemory knowledge and related memory performance. Exp 1 focused on metamemory training with 89 5th graders. Strategy training improved Ss' level of knowledge and performance on a categorical memory test. 15 days later, Ss who had received metamemory training outperformed controls on maintenance and near-transfer of the strategy. In Exp 2, 166 3rd–5th graders with learning difficulties were divided into a metamemory training group, a metacognitive reading group, and a control group. At the end of training, experimental groups outperformed the control group in metacognitive knowledge and academic achievement. Results suggested that improving children's ability to reflect on their cognitive processes may improve their academic performances as well as their cognitive attitude.