What does the term "metacognition" refer to in an educational context?

The term "metacognition" in an educational context refers to the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. This involves being cognizant of how you think, learn, and approach problems. Metacognition encompasses the ability to monitor and regulate one’s cognitive activities, which includes planning how to approach a task, evaluating the progress of learning, and reflecting on the effectiveness of strategies used.

When students engage in metacognitive practices, they may ask themselves questions such as, "What strategies am I using? Are they effective?" or "How can I improve my understanding of this topic?" This self-awareness helps learners to become more effective and independent in their studies as they can adapt their learning strategies based on their own assessments of what works best for them. Being metacognitive enables students to take control of their learning process, leading to deeper understanding and improved educational outcomes.