Final answer:
Elementary school teachers use self-testing and self-monitoring to promote metacognitive skills, which involve thinking about one's own thinking to improve memory and learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The activities elementary school teachers ask students to engage in, such as self-testing and other self-monitoring activities, are designed to promote metacognitive skills. Metacognition involves high-order thinking skills that enable individuals to think about their own thinking, critically assess their thought processes, and become aware of cognitive tendencies and biases. Effective metacognitive strategies include checking, planning, selecting, and reflecting critically, which can lead to improved memory and learning outcomes.