Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. It encompasses two key components:
Metacognition plays a critical role in effective learning, as it enables individuals to control their cognitive processes and improve their problem-solving abilities. By developing metacognitive skills, learners can identify their strengths and weaknesses, adapt their learning strategies, and ultimately enhance their overall learning experience.
Metacognition is an awareness of one's thought processes and an understanding of the patterns behind them. The term comes from the root word meta, meaning "beyond", or "on top of". Metacognition can take many forms, such as reflecting on one's ways of thinking, and knowing when and how oneself and others use particular strategies for problem-solving. There are generally two components of metacognition: (1) cognitive conceptions and (2) cognitive regulation system. Research has shown that both components of metacognition play key roles in metaconceptual knowledge and learning. Metamemory, defined as knowing about memory and mnemonic strategies, is an important aspect of metacognition.
Writings on metacognition date back at least as far as two works by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC): On the Soul and the Parva Naturalia.