Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. The spelling of "metacognition" is easily explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription: /ˌmɛtəkɒgˈnɪʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced "met" with a short "e" sound as in "pet". The second syllable is pronounced "uh" with a schwa sound like in "about". The third syllable is pronounced "kɒg" with a hard "g" sound. The final syllable is pronounced "nɪʃən" with an "ish" sound and the "on" as in "nation".
Metacognition refers to the ability to think about one's own thinking processes. It involves being aware of and understanding one's own thoughts, knowledge, and learning strategies. Metacognition allows individuals to monitor and regulate their cognitive activities, which include problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.
Metacognition can be divided into two main components: metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive regulation. Metacognitive knowledge involves understanding one's own cognitive abilities and limitations, as well as having knowledge about strategies that can help in learning and problem-solving. This can include knowing when and how to use certain strategies, recognizing the difference between effective and ineffective strategies, and understanding the conditions under which different strategies may be most useful.
Metacognitive regulation, on the other hand, involves actively monitoring and controlling one's cognitive processes. This can involve setting specific goals, planning and organizing activities, monitoring progress, and making adjustments when necessary. Metacognitive regulation also includes being aware of one's own comprehension and understanding, and being able to reflect on and evaluate one's own learning.
Metacognition plays a crucial role in learning and academic achievement. It enables individuals to become more self-directed learners by taking control of their own learning processes and making informed decisions about how to approach and solve problems. It also helps individuals to become more aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to adapt and improve their learning strategies. Overall, metacognition is a powerful cognitive skill that facilitates self-awareness and self-regulation, enhancing learning and problem-solving abilities.
The word "metacognition" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "meta" and "cognition".
"Meta" (μετα) means "beyond" or "transcending" in Greek. It is often used as a prefix to indicate something that is self-referential or reflective. For example, "metamorphosis" means a transformation beyond the normal or initial form.
"Cognition" is derived from the Latin word "cognitio", which means "act of knowing" or "knowledge". In modern usage, cognition refers to the mental processes and activities related to acquiring, processing, and using information.
Therefore, "metacognition" can be understood as the process of thinking about one's own thinking or being aware of and monitoring one's own cognitive processes.