What it says. Metacognition is thinking about one’s own thinking: knowing what you do and do not understand, and managing your learning accordingly. Self-regulated learners plan how to approach a task, monitor their progress, and adjust their strategies. These skills predict success, and many students lack them, often mistaking familiarity for understanding.

What it means for your teaching. Teach learning strategies explicitly rather than assuming students have them. Build in reflection: what was hard, what worked, and what they will do differently. Use low-stakes self-checks that reveal the gap between feeling that you know and truly knowing. Helping students manage their own learning pays off across every course they take, not just yours.