Which of the following is a key component of metacognition in reading?

The focus on monitoring comprehension as a key component of metacognition in reading is essential for effective learning. Metacognition refers to an individual's awareness and understanding of their own thought processes, and in the context of reading, this involves being conscious of one's comprehension and strategies.

When readers monitor their comprehension, they actively assess their understanding of the text as they progress. This self-regulation allows them to identify when they are confused, make adjustments to their reading strategies, and employ techniques such as re-reading or summarizing to enhance their understanding. By being aware of their comprehension levels, students can take proactive steps to address any gaps in understanding, which ultimately improves their overall reading skills and retention of information.

In contrast, decoding words, visualizing content, and reading aloud serve different purposes in reading development but do not directly relate to the core aspect of metacognitive awareness. Decoding focuses on the ability to read words accurately, visualizing content helps with engagement and memory, and reading aloud can support fluency and comprehension, but they do not encapsulate the reflective practices that characterize metacognition as effectively as monitoring comprehension does.