Metacognitive Development, Essay Example

Educational Children’s Shows and Metacognitive Development

The children’s television show Dora the Explorer is an animated program that is intended to be both entertaining and educational. The show centers on the character of Dora, a young girl who is constantly seeking adventure by going to new and different places in each episode. The framework of the show allows the character to learn new things in every episode. In most episodes Dora faces some sort of challenge or obstacle as she attempts to reach her destination, and the character typically asks viewers to help her overcome these challenges. Children watching the show are encouraged to call out answers to the questions Dora asks, or to otherwise assist her in her quest. This engagement with the viewing audience provides an opportunity for metacognitive development in the children who watch the show.

The most basic definition of metacogniton is that it involves “thinking about thinking;” in other words it involves not just the process of thinking, but also the process of learning how to think and how to develop a greater capacity to think. A show such as Dora the Explorer does not just invite viewers to provide answers to specific questions; it also illustrates the fundamental concepts involved in problem solving. In this context it is not just the questions and answers are valuable to children in terms of learning about the specific ideas involved in each set of questions and answers; it is also emphasizes the larger processes involved in critical thinking. This presents opportunities for children to learn answers to questions, while also learning how to utilize problem-solving skills in a more general sense. Along with Dora the Explorer there are a wide variety of other children’s shows that support metacognitive development; one notable example is the show Sesame Street. Viewers are presented with new and different ideas in each episode, which also serves to support the processes of learning itself.