The term refers to the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. It involves the ability to monitor and regulate cognitive activities. For example, a student engaging in this process might recognize they are struggling to understand a concept in class, prompting them to seek additional resources or adjust their study strategies accordingly.
The significance lies in its capacity to enhance learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Individuals who possess well-developed abilities in this area can better assess their strengths and weaknesses, allocate cognitive resources effectively, and adapt to new information. Historically, its study has contributed significantly to the development of effective educational practices and cognitive therapies.