What is metacognition?

Mike initially felt overwhelmed at the idea of creating an infographic, but after reviewing the project criteria, he realized he already knew how to do a lot of it from writing a research paper and an argumentative essay.

After loving equations and numerical variables of Algebra, Kenneth is frustrated with geometry and starts to think he's not a math person. Then he identifies that imagining figures in space is hard for him, and he talks to his teacher about ways to work on this. 

Kathy guides her students to track their progress during projects. She provides organizers and tools so they can plan, monitor, and make adjustments, documenting their process along the way.

These are examples of metacognition in action! 

Metacognition helps learners: 

• Plan how to carry out challenging academic tasks
• Monitor their progress
• Make decisions about which strategy to use at a particular moment
• Choose to change strategies if one or another is not helping them progress effectively
• Reflect on their learning in order to expand the quantity and quality of the schema available to them

Metacognition is commonly described as “thinking about your own thinking.” It refers to the awareness, understanding, and regulation of one’s cognitive processes. Essentially, it’s the ability to reflect on how you learn, recognize your strengths and weaknesses as a learner, and strategically direct your mental resources to achieve learning goals.

Why does it matter?

Metacognition is the key to effective, self-regulated learning. By understanding and managing their own thought processes, students become better equipped to tackle complex tasks, achieve higher outcomes, and develop as independent lifelong learners. It empowers learners to become self-aware, adaptable, and proactive. Metacognitive learners are able to monitor their understanding, recognize where they have seen similar problems or text, and consciously apply learned skills to new situations—crucial qualities for success in school and beyond. 

Explicitly teaching metacognitive skills equips students with the tools to face challenges efficiently, fosters greater engagement, and supports lifelong learning.

Students who know about the different kinds of strategies for learning, thinking, and problem solving will be more likely to use them (Pintrich, 2002). Making learning visible is key to making it accessible.

How can we help students become metacognitive learners?

A critical part of the work of educators is to teach students to develop effective metacognitive capabilities, because it is through the process of thinking about their thinking that students begin to take control over their learning. 

Below you'll find some videos that help unpack metacognition, and a few ways to support the development of metacognition in your learners.