FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Who is credited with creating the concept of metacognition?

1. Pavlov

2. Flavell

3. Vygotsky

4. Gardner

The correct answer is: Flavell

The concept of metacognition is primarily credited to John Flavell, who was a developmental psychologist. Flavell's work in the 1970s laid the foundation for understanding metacognition as the awareness and regulation of one's own cognitive processes during learning. His research emphasized the importance of thinking about one's own thinking, including how learners can plan, monitor, and evaluate their understanding and performance. This idea is crucial in educational psychology as it helps educators develop strategies to improve students’ learning by fostering self-awareness about their cognitive processes. The other individuals mentioned have made significant contributions to their respective fields; however, they are not associated with the conceptualization of metacognition. For example, Pavlov is known for his work in classical conditioning, Vygotsky for his theories on social constructivism and the zone of proximal development, and Gardner for his theory of multiple intelligences. Each has shaped areas of psychology and education but does not pertain to the development of the concept of metacognition like Flavell does.