How is metacognition linked to effective learning strategies?

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It plays a crucial role in effective learning because it enables learners to assess their understanding, monitor their progress, and adjust their learning strategies accordingly. When students engage in metacognitive activities, they reflect on what they already know and make connections to prior knowledge, which enhances their comprehension and retention of new information.

By linking new concepts to what they already know, learners can create a more robust mental framework for understanding. This strengthens their ability to organize and integrate information, making it easier to retrieve and apply knowledge in various contexts. Metacognitive strategies can include self-questioning, summarizing, and evaluating one's own understanding, all of which help deepen the learning experience and foster a more meaningful engagement with the material.