What is comprehension monitoring?

Comprehension monitoring refers to the awareness an individual has regarding their understanding of a text while reading. It involves actively reflecting on one's comprehension as they progress through the material, recognizing when meaning is clear and when it is not. This self-regulatory process allows readers to identify areas of confusion, ask questions, and re-evaluate their understanding, leading to improved comprehension overall.

This ability is critical as it helps students engage deeper with the text, recognize when they need to re-read or seek clarification, and apply strategies to enhance their understanding. Effective comprehension monitoring is a key component of proficient reading and contributes significantly to academic success, particularly in understanding complex texts.