Plain English Meaning

The thinking tricks a student uses to learn better — things like planning ahead, checking their own understanding as they go, and looking back to see what they got right or wrong.

Full Definition

Mental techniques learners use to control and improve their own thinking and learning, such as planning how to approach a task, monitoring understanding while working through it, and reflecting on what worked afterward. In aviation instruction, cognitive strategies are taught so students can manage their own learning rather than relying solely on the instructor.

Context Anchor

Seen in instructor training when discussing how students learn, solve problems, and move beyond memorizing facts.

Derivation

‘Cognitive’ comes from the Latin cognoscere, meaning ‘to know’ or ‘to learn.’ ‘Strategy’ comes from the Greek strategia, meaning ‘a plan of action.’ Together they describe planned approaches to thinking and learning.