Theory of Cognitive Development Lev Vygotsky Theory of Cognitive Development

Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) Russian psycologist with training in law, history, philosophy and literature. Worked as a psychologist with Alexander Luria and Alexei Leontiev. Died of Tuberculosis in 1934. After death his ideas were kept alive by his students.

Theory of Cognitive Development Vygotsky's theories stress the fundamental role of social interaction in the development of cognition, as he believed strongly that community plays a central role in the process of "making meaning."

4 Basic Principles Underlying The Vygotskian Framework Children construct their knowledge. Development can not be separated from it’s social context. Learning can lead development. Language plays a central role in mental development.

Ways That Vygotsky’s Theory Is Different From Piaget’s. 1: Vygotsky places more emphasis on culture affecting/shaping cognitive development - this contradicts Piaget's view of universal stages and content of development. (Vygotsky does not refer to stages in the way that Piaget does). 2: Vygotsky places considerably more emphasis on social factors contributing to cognitive development (Piaget is criticised for underestimating this). 3: Vygotsky places more (and different) emphasis on the role of language in cognitive development (again Piaget is criticized for lack of emphasis on this).

Application to an Educator Make sure children understand basic ideas before teaching more complicated ones. Ex) Make sure that children know numbers before teaching addition. Have children work in groups as much as possible. Have children talk, write or draw things out. Give a child a more challenging task with sufficient scaffolding to allow children to accomplish tasks successfully. Allow children the opportunity to accomplish the task the way that they are most comfortable. Allow children to engage in “authentic activities”- activities that are typical adult activities. Ex) Writing a newsletter, participating in a debate. Give children the chance to play. Use toys that are educational or dramatic play. Ex) A kitchen area, dress up clothes, dolls.

Resources http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/vygotsky.htm McLeod, S. A. (2007). Vygotsky.Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html Child Development and Psychology Forrest W. Parkay http://r.web.umkc.edu/rv191/vygotsky.htm