How is metacognition best defined?

Metacognition is best defined as awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. This concept goes beyond simply knowing information or being skilled at solving problems; it involves the ability to reflect on how one thinks, learns, and processes information. Metacognition encompasses both self-regulation of cognition (monitoring and controlling one's own learning and thinking) and metacognitive knowledge (understanding how, when, and why to use different cognitive strategies). This awareness allows individuals to assess their comprehension, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and adjust their approaches to learning tasks accordingly.

Memorizing and recalling information, solving complex problems, or understanding others' cognitive processes does not encompass the full scope of metacognition, which is fundamentally about self-awareness in thinking and learning.