Metacognition is the capacity to evaluate the success of one’s own cognitive processes in various domains. In the context of learning, it involves planning, monitoring, and evaluating how well you’re progressing. 1

Some metacognitive strategies include:

  • Identifying what you already know and what you still need to learn
  • Planning how to acquire the knowledge you’re missing
  • Evaluating your progress and adjusting your approach as needed

Unfortunately, most people lack the metacognitive skills to learn effectively, and these skills need to be explicitly taught and practiced.

Metacognitive skills can also be somewhat domain-specific, and proficiency in one area doesn’t necessarily transfer fully to others without additional training. 2

Footnotes

  1. Mastering Metacognition: The What, Why, and How

  2. Domain-General and Domain-Specific Patterns of Activity Supporting Metacognition in Human Prefrontal Cortex - PMC