What do metacognitive skills enable a student to do?

Metacognitive skills refer to the awareness and regulation of one's own learning processes. When students develop these skills, they become capable of monitoring their understanding, thinking about how they learn, and adapting their strategies accordingly. This ability allows them to take charge of their learning by setting goals, planning how to approach a task, self-assessing their comprehension, and reflecting on their progress.

For example, a student who recognizes that they struggle with a particular concept can decide to approach their study differently, perhaps by discussing the material with peers or seeking additional resources. This proactive engagement enhances their learning experience and promotes independence, making it essential for successful academic achievement.

While learning vocabulary through context, using figurative language effectively, and summarizing passages accurately are important skills, they are specific knowledge and abilities rather than the overarching process control that metacognitive skills provide.