FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What term describes the awareness of one’s own thought processes?

1. Introspection

2. Metacognition

3. Critical Thinking

4. Reflective Learning

The correct answer is: Metacognition

The concept that describes the awareness of one’s own thought processes is metacognition. This term encompasses the understanding and awareness of one’s own cognitive abilities, including how we think, learn, and apply strategies to problem-solving. Metacognition involves self-regulation and monitoring of one’s own comprehension and thought processes, allowing individuals to assess their strengths and weaknesses in learning and thinking. Metacognition is not just about having thoughts; it involves a higher-level thinking process where individuals can analyze and evaluate their own cognitive activities. This can lead to improved learning outcomes, as individuals who are metacognitively aware are better equipped to adjust their learning strategies accordingly. Introspection, while related, refers more narrowly to the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings rather than the broader awareness of cognitive processes. Critical thinking focuses on the evaluation and analysis of information to reach reasoned conclusions, rather than the awareness of how one is thinking. Reflective learning involves thinking about one’s learning experiences but does not specifically address the awareness of thought processes in the same way that metacognition does.