FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is the best description of meta cognition?

1. Learning strategies for others

2. Thinking about one’s own thinking

3. A technique for standard assessment

4. Passive observational analysis

The correct answer is: Thinking about one’s own thinking

Meta-cognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It is essentially "thinking about thinking." This involves self-regulating and monitoring one's cognitive activities in learning, which allows individuals to assess their comprehension, reflect on their understanding, and adjust their learning strategies accordingly. By engaging in meta-cognitive practices, learners can become more effective in acquiring knowledge and skills, as they can recognize the strengths and weaknesses in their approach to learning. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of meta-cognition. While learning strategies for others may involve components of teaching or sharing knowledge, it does not focus on the individual's reflective thinking process. A technique for standard assessment suggests a method for evaluating knowledge rather than self-reflection on one's processes and understanding. Passive observational analysis implies a more hands-off approach that lacks the active engagement needed for monitoring and controlling one's own thinking.