Developmental Psych

Vygotsky's Theory of Social Development

  • Central tenets of Vygotsky's theory:

    • Emphasizes the significance of community and language in learning.

    • Contrasts with Piaget's staged theory of cognitive development; instead, Vygotsky posited that development occurs independently of fixed stages through social interactions.

Elementary Mental Functions

  • According to Vygotsky, children are born with four elementary mental functions:

    • Attention

    • Sensation

    • Perception

    • Memory

  • Development of higher mental functions relies on social and cultural environments that nurture these skills.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

  • Definition of ZPD:

    • Represents the range of tasks that a child can perform with the assistance of a more knowledgeable other (MKO).

    • Three levels of competency:

      • What we can do independently.

      • What we can do with help (within the ZPD).

      • What we cannot do at all without assistance.

  • Example scenario:

    • Twins raised in a biased environment:

      • Boys are expected to learn and succeed.

      • Girls are expected to prioritize beauty over skills.

      • Both children can crawl by age 10 and are in the ZPD for standing.

Role of the More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)

  • Illustration of the MKO's role:

    • The father provides the boy with the opportunity to practice standing in a supportive, equipped playroom.

    • He encourages exploration of the equipment, leading the boy to pull himself up, then cruise along structures, and ultimately stand.

  • In contrast:

    • The girl does not receive the same supportive environment, which restricts her opportunity to develop.

  • Outcome comparison:

    • Boy quickly learns to balance and stand, moving ahead in his development.

    • The girl struggles due to lack of support, showing the importance of an MKO in cognitive development.

Implications for Learning

  • Vygotsky's principles:

    • Successful learning requires the assistance of a capable mentor.

    • Only through guidance can learners reach their full potential.

    • Within the ZPD, children can acquire skills beyond their natural maturity.

Speech and Mental Concepts

  • Vygotsky's perspective on speech:

    • Made a connection between speech and mental processes, proposing that:

      • Inner speech develops from gradually internalizing external speech.

      • Thought processes evolve from conversational interactions.

    • Younger children may exhibit externalized thinking (thinking out loud), while more advanced children manage independent inner speech.

Vygotsky's Legacy

  • Early Death:

    • Lev Vygotsky passed away from tuberculosis in 1934 at age 37.

  • Influence:

    • Despite his brief life, he became a prominent figure in 20th-century psychology.

  • Educational advice:

    • Encourages educators to provide ample opportunities for students to engage in discussions with others to cultivate independent thinking skills.

Questions to Consider

  • Can a child effectively learn without any developmental prerequisites?

  • Is learning solely situated within social and cultural contexts?

  • Should a more knowledgeable other determine a child's learning path?