What does metacognition involve?

Metacognition refers to the awareness and regulation of one's own cognitive processes, particularly in relation to learning and problem-solving. It involves both monitoring one’s own understanding and performance (such as self-assessment of what one knows and doesn’t know) and controlling or adjusting one’s strategies to improve learning outcomes. This could include deciding how to approach a task, determining when to seek help, or evaluating the effectiveness of a chosen method of study.

This understanding is crucial for enhanced learning because it empowers individuals to become self-directed learners who can adapt their strategies based on their self-monitoring. On the other hand, the other options do not capture the essence of metacognition. For example, understanding others' thought processes pertains more to theory of mind rather than an individual's self-reflection on their cognitive abilities. Remembering details of past experiences relates to memory rather than the regulation of cognitive processes, and organizing information into schemas is about structuring knowledge rather than self-awareness of one’s learning strategies.