Learning How to Learn in the Age of AI: San Roberto International School’s Vision

Education around the world has evolved dramatically over the last 20 years thanks to digitalization. What began with the arrival of the internet and the opening of a new world of possibilities has expanded even further with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence, creating new opportunities to innovate, learn, and transform education.
Today, the term self-taught learner is increasingly common in conversations about education. This leads parents to ask an important question: What kind of education do our children need for the future? What should they learn today to succeed tomorrow? The reality is that a university degree alone no longer guarantees a clear path forward.
At San Roberto International School, the belief is that the key lies not only in memorizing information or mastering technology, but in developing metacognition: the ability to learn how to learn. This skill enables students to adapt, make informed decisions, and continue growing throughout their lives.

What Is Metacognition and Why Should It Matter?

Roberta Villarreal, the school’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Coach, explains that metacognition is, simply put, the ability to think about one’s own thinking. It occurs when a student not only learns content but also understands how they learn it: what works best for them, what challenges them, and what they can do to improve. This ability fosters more independent, reflective, and self-confident learners.

Why is it important? “Because in a world where information is readily available to everyone, what truly matters is knowing how to learn, adapt, and make sound decisions,” says Anthony Arena, Elementary School Principal at the Valle Alto Campus.

Metacognition not only enhances academic performance but also develops essential life skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and the confidence to tackle new challenges. Furthermore, it prepares students to adapt to a constantly evolving environment shaped by technological advancement.

From Play to Purposeful Learning: Developing Independent Learners

Metacognition, the ability to think about how we learn, is a skill that anyone can develop, and at San Roberto International School it is cultivated from the earliest years.
Through a team of leaders and specialists across both campuses, the school promotes the development of the Six Cs from preschool onward: Compassion, Collaboration, Curiosity, Creativity, Communication, and Critical Thinking—key competencies for lifelong success.

Although the concept may sound complex, learning in the early years remains rooted in play. As preschool teacher Lesly Martínez explains, “The teacher’s role is to identify each child’s interests and guide their play so that, while they believe they are simply playing, they are actually learning.”

As students progress from elementary through middle school, they gradually take greater ownership of their own learning.

Anthony Arena and James Cartwright, Elementary and Middle School Principals at the Valle Alto Campus, emphasize the importance of creating reflective opportunities known as “Moment Capture” experiences. These moments help students understand what they learned, how they achieved it, and what they can improve.

This process culminates in student-led conferences, where students share their growth and evidence of learning with their families. In doing so, they become active participants in their own development. As Anthony Arena summarizes, the goal is clear: “to maximize the potential of every student.”

Facing the Age of Artificial Intelligence

One of the cornerstones of San Roberto’s vision is its balanced approach to Artificial Intelligence.

In an environment where tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini are creating new learning opportunities, the school guides students in using them intelligently, ethically, and purposefully. Beyond learning how to use technology, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and to question, analyze, and create.

At the same time, San Roberto places special emphasis on developing essential human skills such as communication, empathy, and collaboration. The objective is to prepare students who not only know how to interact with technology, but also how to build relationships, work effectively in teams, and contribute meaningful value in any environment. Students are taught that teamwork is more than simply dividing responsibilities; it is the ability to integrate different perspectives with empathy in order to solve complex problems. “This approach is developed through project-based learning, where students actively collaborate, create together, and strengthen skills that are essential for life,” said James Cartwright.

A Passport to a Global World

San Roberto’s commitment to delivering a world-class education is reflected in the partnerships it maintains through the international Nord Anglia Education network, which includes collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and IMG Academy.

These partnerships allow students to participate in authentic experiences, work alongside experts, and tackle real-world challenges across multiple disciplines. From projects that integrate science, art, and technology to the analysis and creation of performing arts experiences, every opportunity is designed to develop an open-minded, creative, and resilient mindset. The focus is clear: to prepare students who can think critically, adapt successfully, and contribute meaningfully in diverse contexts.

All of this is supported by a personalized educational approach that recognizes each student's strengths, interests, and learning pace, providing the tools they need to develop critical thinking skills and navigate an ever-changing world with confidence.Provide your feedback on BizChat