vygotsky

what were the three factors that vygotky said contributed to cognitive development

• culture

• language

• social interaction

what is the zone of proximal development

the gap between what a child knows and what they could know with the help of a more knowledgeable other (MKO)

what is scaffolding

providing a child with enough guidance to help them learn and gradually removing the guidance until they’re independent

what are the two types of mental functions 

• biological (nature) - genetic/innate 

• e.g. reflexes, sensory abilities and some types of memory

• higher, influenced by culture (nurture)

• decision making and language comprehension - learned skills

what is the role of culture in cognitive development

children learn through problem-solving experiences shared with someone else (MKO, ZPD)

what is the role of language in cognitive development

• communication is key for development - happens between the child and caregiver

• language will not just be used for communication, but also to regulate their behaviour 

what are vygotkys three stages of language

• pre-intellectual speech (0-3 years) 

• egocentric speech (3-7 years)

• inner speech (7+ years) 

characteristics of the intellectual speech

• no thoughts constructed through the use of language 

• speech used for social change 

characteristics of egocentric speech

• language helps control child’s behaviour 

• spoken out loud (children verbalise their thoughts when playing games)

characteristics of inner speech

• silently used to develop inner thought 

• publicly used for communication with others