Vygotsky

He saw cognitive development as a social process of learning from more experienced others (referred to as ‘experts’) and that development of schema occur through interacting with other 

This is done through two ways:

• Cultural and interpersonal factors

What is Vygotsky’s theory?

cultural and interpersonal

what are the two ways in which children learn schema according to Vygotsky’s theory?

when children initially learn ‘cultural tools’ (including language, values and technology) to allow them to interact with others and develop their learning

what is a cultural tool?

the child uses these tools (communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and social problem-solving) to take an active role in their development and will to learn

what is an interpersonal tool?

1. Vygotsky placed a large emphasis on learning from others/social support in learning which lead him to put forward the ‘Zone of Proximal Development’.

2. He identified a gap between what a child can currently do unaided and what a child cannot do at all (yet). He called this gap the zone of proximal development.

3. In order to cross the gap (from what the learner cannot do to what the learner can do unaided) you need help from others (the expert/more knowledgeable other).

Vygotsky - the zone of proximal development

1. What made Vygotsky coin this?

2. What is this?

3. How do you cross the ZPD?

refers to someone who has a higher level of understanding or skill than the learner in a particular area. This person provides guidance and support to help the learner move through the ZPD. The MKO can include teachers, parents, peers and a mentor.

what is a more knowledgeable other?

scaffolding - as learners gain competence from support and teaching methods, the support is gradually reduced until they can perform the task on their own.

what is the process called when the MKO helps a learner to cross the ZPD?

1. Recruitment

2. Reduction of degrees of freedom

3. Direction maintenance

4. Marking critical features

5. Demonstration

what are 5 parts of scaffolding? (name them in order)

engaging a child’s interest

what is recruitment?

focusing the child on the task and where to start with solving it

what is reduction of degrees of freedom?

encouraging the child to motivate them

what is direction maintenance?

highlighting the most important parts of the task

what is marking critical features?

 showing the child how to do aspects of the task

what is demonstration?