The Learning Success Helpline - Special Metacognitive Materials

Recommended Reading

Listed here are some new and older books containing metacognitive techniques. We believe they can help you improve your learning abilities. Some of the books listed are authored by staff members.

For All

The Sanity Manual - The Therapeutic Uses of Writing by Dr. Allan G. Hunter. This book is based on the premise that in order to conduct a meaningful dialogue with others, it is necessary to have a meaningful dialogue with one's self. Writing or drawing is an important form of self-expression which is dealt with in considerable detail by the author who is both the chair of a college English Department and a therapist. For more information about Allan Hunter and his books, see his website at therapeuticwriting.com.

60 Minutes to Much Higher Grades by Marguerite Wengler, 2003, includes strategies that work for all ages and situations. Although it was designed for college students, it has been used successfully by adults, adolescents, and precocious middle school aged students. There are techniques for creating goals, increasing and maintaining motivation, developing healthy habits, becoming proactive, organizing oneself in every way, managing emotions that threaten to interfere with productivity, increasing social skills, etc.

Crisis Counseling (The Essential Guide for Nonprofessional Counselors) by Eugene Kennedy, 1992, is an oldie, but a goodie. It reveals what can traumatize people and how they can be helped. It may be hard to find in new versions, but used editions are available on Amazon.com.

Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD, 1994, still serves as a reference for adults with focusing problems. The techniques for overcoming the inability to concentrate are still practiced.

A Mind at a Time by Mel Levine, 2003, contains valuable information and suggestions that could be helpful to both parents and professionals. The tone of the book suggests admiration and respect for those who have been labeled with specific learning issues. Dr. Levine is well respected in the fields of education and psychology.

For Students and Parents

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, 1990, is one of the most helpful books on metacognition. Written for college students and adults, it synthesizes habits of those who are proactive, manage their time efficiently, work well with others, and keep current with technological advances.

A Whack on the Side of the Head; How You Can Be More Creative by Roger von Oech, 1990, is a delightful book that works for adolescents and adults. The captivating cartoons by Geroge Willett, and the creative layout of the book make the lessons painless and memorable.

For Professionals

Fostering Resiliency by Martin Krovetz, 1999, is recommended for professionals, especially school leaders; however, parents and adult students might also gain insights into student issues and strategies for overcoming difficulties. The idea that there are factors causing some students to overcome handicaps in themselves, as well as their environments, has intrigued those in the social sciences for a long time. This book examines those factors.

Resilience Education by Joel H. Brown, 2001, reflects the recent research on what helps students to overcome all levels of adversity. A “must read” for professionals.

Becoming a Critically Effective Teacher by Stephen Brookfield, 1995, is best for those who teach college students and older adults, but may strategies would also work well for secondary school teachers and administrators. In his writings, Professor Brookfield presents examples of his own failures and successes, so that his books often have the flavor of a journal.

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	The Sanity Manual - The Therapeutic Uses of Writing by Dr. Allan G. Hunter. This book is based on the premise that in order to conduct a meaningful dialogue with others, it is necessary to have a meaningful dialogue with one's self. Writing or drawing is an important form of self-expression which is dealt with in considerable detail by the author who is both the chair of a college English Department and a therapist. For more information about Allan Hunter and his books, see his website at therapeuticwriting.com.
	60 Minutes to Much Higher Grades by Marguerite Wengler, 2003, includes strategies that work for all ages and situations. Although it was designed for college students, it has been used successfully by adults, adolescents, and precocious middle school aged students. There are techniques for creating goals, increasing and maintaining motivation, developing healthy habits, becoming proactive, organizing oneself in every way, managing emotions that threaten to interfere with productivity, increasing social skills, etc.
	Crisis Counseling (The Essential Guide for Nonprofessional Counselors) by Eugene Kennedy, 1992, is an oldie, but a goodie. It reveals what can traumatize people and how they can be helped. It may be hard to find in new versions, but used editions are available on Amazon.com.
	Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD, 1994, still serves as a reference for adults with focusing problems. The techniques for overcoming the inability to concentrate are still practiced.
	A Mind at a Time by Mel Levine, 2003, contains valuable information and suggestions that could be helpful to both parents and professionals. The tone of the book suggests admiration and respect for those who have been labeled with specific learning issues. Dr. Levine is well respected in the fields of education and psychology.

	The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, 1990, is one of the most helpful books on metacognition. Written for college students and adults, it synthesizes habits of those who are proactive, manage their time efficiently, work well with others, and keep current with technological advances.
	A Whack on the Side of the Head; How You Can Be More Creative by Roger von Oech, 1990, is a delightful book that works for adolescents and adults. The captivating cartoons by Geroge Willett, and the creative layout of the book make the lessons painless and memorable.

	Fostering Resiliency by Martin Krovetz, 1999, is recommended for professionals, especially school leaders; however, parents and adult students might also gain insights into student issues and strategies for overcoming difficulties. The idea that there are factors causing some students to overcome handicaps in themselves, as well as their environments, has intrigued those in the social sciences for a long time. This book examines those factors.
	Resilience Education by Joel H. Brown, 2001, reflects the recent research on what helps students to overcome all levels of adversity. A “must read” for professionals.
	Becoming a Critically Effective Teacher by Stephen Brookfield, 1995, is best for those who teach college students and older adults, but may strategies would also work well for secondary school teachers and administrators. In his writings, Professor Brookfield presents examples of his own failures and successes, so that his books often have the flavor of a journal.