What is the definition of metacognition?

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. It involves thinking about one's thinking, which can include self-regulation, monitoring one’s comprehension and learning strategies, and understanding how one learns best. This cognitive process allows individuals to assess their knowledge, evaluate their understanding of a topic, and make adjustments to their learning strategies as needed.

This concept is essential in education as it empowers learners to become more autonomous and effective in their learning journeys. By fostering metacognitive skills, students can improve their problem-solving abilities, enhance their critical thinking, and achieve greater academic success.

The other provided options do not encompass the true essence of metacognition. Memorizing facts pertains to rote learning, which lacks a deeper understanding of the thought processes involved. Learning through social interaction emphasizes the role of social contexts in the learning experience, while relying on intuition focuses on instinctual judgments rather than deliberate cognitive evaluation.