Social Development Theory Vygotsky

Background Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) Russian psychologist Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory (unknown until 1962) Focused on any connection between people and the experiences they shared or had

Overview of Theory Two levels of cultural development Major Themes Social Individual Major Themes The More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) Social Interaction Defined stages of development

Cultural Development – Social Full cognitive development requires social interaction Gain knowledge through this step Formal education Interactions with others Past experiences Two kinds of learning Spontaneous

Cultural Development- Individual How they use the information they gained from the social development stage Ability to use an acquired skill set Pointing a finger Two kinds of learning Scientific

The More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) Anyone who has a better understanding or a higher ability level than the learner Parent Coach Teacher Siblings Usually has to do with a respect to a particular task, process, or concept Scaffolding

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) Distance between a student’s ability to perform a task under “MKO” and the student’s ability solving the problem independently. According to Vygotsky, learning occurred in this zone. http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Vygotsky%27s_constructivism

Social Interaction “Every function in the child’s cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological).” Fundamental role in the process of cognitive development.

Defined Stages His theory states that development is limited to a certain range at a certain age. This development is assisted by continued social interaction.

Problems/ Criticisms Too optimistic Gender not considered Impractical- requires one on one education

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS_Ftio1ops