What does metacognition mean?

Metacognition refers to "thinking about thinking," which encompasses awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It involves monitoring and evaluating one's cognitive strategies, which can lead to improved learning and problem-solving skills. For example, when a student reflects on what study strategies work best for them, they are engaging in metacognitive thinking. This self-reflection can help identify effective techniques while also acknowledging areas that may need improvement.

Reading between the lines pertains to inferring deeper meanings or themes that may not be stated explicitly in the text, which is a different skill. Identifying structural elements in a text refers to recognizing how a text is organized, like identifying sections, headings, or chapter divisions, rather than an evaluative process of one’s thinking. Summarizing key themes involves distilling the main ideas from a text, which does not inherently involve reflection on thinking processes. Thus, metacognition specifically highlights the awareness and regulation of one's cognitive functions, making thinking about thinking the correct interpretation.