LECTURE ON VYGOTSKY

Who was Vygotsky?

A Russian psychologist who developed cognitive development theory based on social interaction.

What did Vygotsky believe about cognitive development?

Cognitive development is based on social interaction.

What are the five keys to Vygotsky's development?

1. No single factor accounts for development. 2. Social interaction is crucial. 3. Community determines meaning. 4. Development cannot be understood without social or cultural context. 5. Learning from others precedes development.

What is MKO?

More Knowledgeable Other, someone who knows more than the learner and facilitates learning.

What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

The difference between what a child can do independently and what they can do with the guidance of a More Knowledgeable Other.

What is the role of language in development according to Vygotsky?

Language is essential for transmitting information and allows intellectual adaptation.

What are the three forms of language as described by Vygotsky?

1. Social speech. 2. Private speech. 3. Silent inner speech.

What is private speech?

Talking out loud to oneself to work through problems, important for self-guidance.

What are Vygotsky's criticisms?

Does not account for cultural differences, overemphasizes language in teaching, and discounts self-teaching.

Is Vygotsky's theory continuous or discontinuous?

Continuous; it does not have stages.

Does Vygotsky's theory lean more towards nature or nurture?

Nurture; it emphasizes learning from social interactions.

How did Vygotsky view children’s initial cognitive abilities?

Children begin life with the potential for intellectual development through elementary mental functions.

What are elementary mental functions in children according to Vygotsky?

Attention, sensation, perception, and memory.

What is scaffolding in Vygotsky's theory?

A teaching method where a More Knowledgeable Other supports the learner through guidance without doing the task for them.

What happens in the Zone of Proximal Development?

A child learns new skills with assistance from a More Knowledgeable Other.

How does Vygotsky's theory differ from Piaget's?

Vygotsky emphasized social interaction whereas Piaget focused on individual cognitive processes.

What impact does community have on learning according to Vygotsky?

Community determines meaning and can change perceptions based on cultural context.