I. SOCIOCULTURAL

A theory by Lev Vygotsky emphasizing the role of social interaction and cultural context in cognitive development.

Sociocultural Theory

The key person associated with Sociocultural Theory.

Lev Vygotsky

Learning is a social process that occurs through collaboration with others and participation in cultural activities.

Sociocultural Learning

The range between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with help.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Someone with greater understanding or expertise in a particular area.

More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)

Temporary support provided by a More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) to help learners bridge the gap within their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

Scaffolding

A parent or teacher helps a child learn to read by pointing out letters, sounds, and words until the child can read more independently.

Scaffolding Example

A theory by Lawrence Kohlberg that explains how individuals develop moral reasoning and ethical decision-making through three levels and six stages.

Moral Development Theory

The key person associated with Moral Development Theory; his theory builds upon Piaget's work on moral reasoning.

Lawrence Kohlberg

The first level of Kohlberg's moral development; behavior is primarily driven by punishment avoidance and self-interest or rewards.

Preconventional Morality

The first stage; behavior is driven by avoiding punishment.

Obedience vs. Punishment

The second stage; behavior is driven by self-interest and rewards.

Individualism vs. Exchange

The second level of Kohlberg's moral development; behavior is driven by social approval and conformity to social rules and authority.

Conventional Morality

The third stage; behavior is driven by gaining social approval and being viewed positively by others.

Good Boy, Good Girl

The fourth stage; behavior is driven by obeying authority and maintaining social order.

Law and Order

The third level of Kohlberg's moral development; behavior is guided by social principles, individual rights, and internal moral principles.

Postconventional Morality

The fifth stage; behavior is driven by balancing social order with individual rights, recognizing that laws can be changed when they are unfair.

Social Contract

The sixth stage; behavior is guided by deeply held internal moral principles, even when they conflict with laws.

Universal Ethical Principle

A child follows rules to avoid punishment, such as avoiding a hot stove to prevent being scolded.

Obedience vs. Punishment Example

A child shares toys because they expect others to share with them in return.

Individualism vs. Exchange Example

A teenager helps a classmate to gain approval and be seen as kind.

Good Boy, Good Girl Example

An adult stops at a red light because obeying the law is necessary to maintain social order.

Law and Order Example

A person supports changing laws to make society fairer and better protect individual rights.

Social Contract Example

A person protects human rights despite personal risk, even when doing so conflicts with the law.

Universal Ethical Principle Example