Define "metacognition" and its relevance in education.

Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. It encompasses the ability to monitor, control, and plan how to approach a task or solve a problem. In the context of education, metacognition is crucial because it enables students to evaluate their own understanding and learning strategies, leading to improved problem-solving skills and greater independence in learning.

When students engage in metacognitive practices, they can identify what they know, what they need to learn, and how to regulate their learning strategies to achieve better outcomes. This self-awareness helps them to adapt their approaches to different tasks and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and enhancing their ability to apply knowledge in various contexts.

In contrast, other options such as memorization of facts, strict application of learned strategies, and think-aloud practices among peers, while potentially useful in certain contexts, do not encapsulate the broader and more nuanced concept of metacognition. These approaches may lack the essential focus on self-reflection and knowledge about one's own cognitive processes that define metacognition.