Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Development Knowledge (A01)

What approach did Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development take? What does this mean he emphasises the importance of?

• Sociocultural

• Emphasises the importance of language and play in development of cognitive thinking

What is that Vygotsky suggested we learn (from who)?

More Knowledgeable Others (MKOs)

Define intermental knowledge

Knowledge and strategies are shared between More Knowledgeable Other and learner

Define intramental knowledge

Knowledge and strategies are internalised by learner (Cognitive development has occurred)

When is our knowledge intermental vs intramental?

Knowledge is intermental when it is shared between people (social level) and intramental when it is internalized within the child's own mind (individual level)

In what way did Vygotsky agree with Piaget?

Agreed with the sequential qualitatively different stages of development characterised by different cognitive abilities

In what ways was Vygotsky’s theory different to Piaget?

1. Explained cultural differences in cognitive development

2. As development is a social process you develop the reasoning abilities of those you are in contact with

3. Therefore pick up the skills needed for life in specific physical/social and work contexts

What is the zone of proximal development (ZPD)?

The gap between current level of development and what someone has the potential to understand through social interaction with More Knowledgeable Others

What is the importance of assistance from More Knowledgeable Others for the Zone of Proximal Development?

Expert assistance from MKOs allows child to cross ZPD to reach maximal understanding possible for developmental stage

What technique do More Knowledgeable Others use to help someone cross the Zone of Proximal Development?

Scaffolding

What 5 levels of help did Wood, Bruner + Ross (1976) suggest are employed during scaffolding?

5. Demonstration

4. Preparation for child

3. Indication of materials

2. Specific verbal instructions

1. General prompts

Give an example of demonstration where a mother (MKO) is helping her child draw

Mother draws object with crayons

Give an example of General prompts where a mother (MKO) is helping her child draw

Mother tells child to “draw something else”

What happens to the strategies employed during scaffolding as the learner becomes more expert?

Gradually removed