Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It involves thinking about how we think, learn, and solve problems. This concept helps individuals evaluate their cognitive strategies, enabling them to adjust their approaches to learning and decision-making. By being aware of their strengths and weaknesses, learners can improve their study habits and enhance their overall performance.
There are two main components of metacognition: metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive regulation. Metacognitive knowledge includes what individuals know about their own cognitive abilities and the strategies that work best for them. Metacognitive regulation involves planning, monitoring, and evaluating one's learning activities, ensuring that individuals can adapt their methods for better outcomes.