Lee Vygotsky's Theory of Learning

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Lev Vygotsky developed his theory of learning in the 1920’s but it was not until the late 1960’s that his ideas about learning became popular and were used to contribute to “Constructivism” as a method of teaching. (Krause [et al.] 2010 p. p81).

Vygotsky believed that learning and cognitive development were significantly influenced by social interactions that occur with in a particular sociocultural environment. There are four major influences on cognitive development.

• The social/cultural environment

• The impact of language

• Role of private speech

• The Zone of Proximal Development. (Krause [et al.] 2010 p. p81).

The social and cultural environment is seen as a pivotal influence on cognitive development because all social interactions are based on the prevailing culture. As the child interacts with its social and cultural environment, carers are subconsciously transmitting the prevalent culture It is up to adults to “socialise” the children into the appropriate skills so they can function appropriately.

The emphasis on social interaction influencing cognitive development impacts on how students are taught. Class room environments need to allow social interaction as a key part of learning activities. This social interaction permits students to learn from both the teacher and their peers through collaborative activities. Teachers that encourage discussion will lead students to think critically and this will assist in providing meaning to new information. (Powell & Kalina, 2009 p245)

Language has a significant impact on cognitive development as according to Vygotsky language precedes thinking. (Powell, Katherine C, Kalina, Cody J p241) A common language is necessary for people to interact socially. Language is...

... middle of paper ...

...nstructivism. Core to social constructivism practices is the creation of a social environment where students can use language to communicate, collaborate and socially interact with each other to learn. The prevalence of constructionist principals in current education attests to the importance of Vygotskys’ theories and their successful application in the classroom.

Works Cited

Applefield, J M, Huber, R, Moallem, M 2001, ‘Constructivism in theory and practice: Toward a better understanding’, High School Journal, vol. 84, issue 2, p35, 19pp

Krause, K, Bochner, S, Duchesne, S & McNaugh, A 2010, Educational Psychology: for learning & teaching, 3rd edn, Cengage Learning Australia, Victoria

Powell, Katherine C, Kalina, Cody J “Cognitive and social constructivism: Developing tools for an effective classroom” Education, Winter2009, Vol. 130 Issue 2, p241-250, 10p

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