Metacognition

[Page 1016]Metacognition is considered one’s ability to think about how one thinks and learns. The term metacognition was coined by developmental psychologist John H. Flavell in the 1970s. He defined metacognition as any knowledge or cognitive activity involving the mind or cognition itself. He perceived individuals as “cognizers” who could regulate and monitor their cognitive activities. Since then, research has supported the importance of metacognition in the developing learner. Furthermore, this has implications for psychological treatment. This entry examines the development of metacognitive theory, including the components involved in metacognition, and its impact on learning. This entry also examines the implications that deficits in metacognition have on clinical populations.