This is a paper that I published recently in the proceedings of the Pansig2013 conference. My co-authors are Avril Matsui-Haye and Sarah Mulvey. A download link and the abstract are given below. PanSig2012_Metaprograms Abstract: This paper presents the concept of metaprograms as a useful tool for exploring critical thinking skills and literacy development. Metaprograms can be defined as mental processes which manage, guide and direct other mental processes. The first four metaprograms are more commonly known as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a common personality assessment tool in schools and workplaces. This paper presents a comparison of data from the U.S. and Japan on the MBTI in order to highlight the differences in cognitive style between different cultures. This is followed by a practical activity showing how metaprograms are useful in examining and discussing people’s cognitive and social strategies. PanSig2012_Metaprograms