Socio-Cultural Theory Social & Cultural Influences on Cognitive Development

Lev Vygotsky Russian Psychologist Lived during the Bolshevik revolution of 1918 Professors were considered dangerous by the State Died relatively young, 38 (Very difficult life in Soviet Union) Always seemed to have a gaggle of students with him Raging debates around the kitchen table Answered student questions with another question

Socio-Cultural Theory Social Interaction causes Cog. Development Co-Constructed Knowledge New knowledge created first between people, then internalized Culture influences Cog. Development Cannot be separated from the individual Values, Tools, Resources, … Language Shapes Cog. Development

Socio-Cultural Theory Private Speech Talking to yourself Functions of “Self Talk” Self-Regulate – “Ooh, ooh, not too close.” Self-Evaluate – “I can’t BELIEVE I did that!” Self-Instruct – “Okay, now the next step is…” Characteristics of “Self-Talk” 3-5 yrs audible moving to inaudible later Presents most often in high stress situations

Socio-Cultural Theory Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) Inner-Layer KSA that the learner has complete control over Outermost-Layer KSA that the learner cannot control or learn Middle Layer KSA that the learner can acquire with assistance Zone of Proximal Development Potential for learning Large ZPD = ?

Socio-Cultural Theory Assisted Learning Professional Social Interaction Scaffolding Cuing Modeling ½ done examples Thinking out loud Reciprocal teaching Checklists