Word of the Day
September 17, 2025
Metacognition
The awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes; thinking about thinking. It involves the ability to reflect on, monitor, and regulate one’s cognitive activities.
From Greek 'meta' meaning 'beyond' or 'about' and Latin 'cognoscere' meaning 'to know.' Coined by American psychologist John Flavell in 1979.
Usage Examples
- Metacognition allows students to evaluate whether their study strategies are actually working.
- Developing metacognition helps citizens distinguish between emotional reactions and reasoned analysis in political discourse.
- Teachers who cultivate metacognition in their students empower them to become self-directed learners.
From the Show
Scientist James Lyons-Weiler introduced the concept of metacognition during the September 17th broadcast, arguing that teaching people to think about their own thinking is essential for rational discourse in an era of political polarization.