What does metacognition refer to?

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. This concept emphasizes thinking about thinking, which involves recognizing how we learn, how we approach problems, and how we can improve our cognitive strategies. By being aware of our mental processes, we can better regulate our learning and problem-solving approaches, making this awareness foundational for effective learning.

In contrast, memorizing math facts, solving problems quickly, and working in groups are all strategies or methods employed in mathematics but do not encompass the reflective and self-regulatory aspect of metacognition. The focus of metacognition is on enhancing self-awareness and the ability to assess and adjust one’s own learning methods and strategies.