Vygotsky's

Socio-cultural
Theory
“What a child can do
in cooperation today,
tomorrow he/she will
be able to do alone.”
-Lev Vygotsky
 Who is Vygotsky?

 Enumerate the Two Main Principles/Elements of

Socio-Cultural theory.

 What are the two features of Zone Proximal

Development?

 What are the 4 Basic Principles Underlying the

Vygotsky Framework
 “The Mozart of Psychology”

 Lev Semonovich Vygotsky

was born in Western Russia
on November 17, 1896. His
father, Semi L’vovich,
founded the “Society of
Education in Gomel”, and
held a wide range of active
interest including foreign
language, history, literature,
theater and arts. His mother
was an educated as teacher.
 His work began when he
was studying learning
and development to
improve his own
teaching.
 He wrote on language,
thought, psychology of
art, learning and
development and
educating students with
special needs.
 He died on June 10,
1934 at the age of 37.
Vygotsky Theory is that social interaction plays a very
important in cognitive development.

Did not focus on the individual child but on the child as

a product of social interaction, especially with adults.

Focus on dynamic interactions rather than child by

himself.

People thinking differs dramatically between cultures

because different cultures stress different things.
Two Main Principles

1. The More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)

 Refers to anyone who has better understanding

or higher ability level than the learner.

 Normally thought of as being a teacher, trainer,

or older, adult, but MKO could also peers , a
younger person, even computers.
Two Main Principles

2. Zone of Proximal Development

 Difference between what child can accomplish

alone and s/he can accomplish with the
guidance of another.
I. Scaffolding

• Appropriate assistance given by the teacher to

assist the learner accomplish a task.

• Requires that an instructor shows example how

to solve a problem, while controlling the
learning environment so that students can take
things step by step expanding their knowledge
without excessive frustration.
II. Reciprocal Teaching

• A highly successful teaching method, it provides

an environment of open dialogue between
student and teacher which goes beyond a simple
question and answer session.
1) Children construct their knowledge.

2) Development cannot be separated from its social

context.

3) Learning is mediated.

4) Language plays a central role in mental

development.
1. Lower Mental Function

 Are those with which we are born, are the

natural functions and are genetically
determined.

2. Higher Mental Function

 Are acquired and developed through social

interaction.
 Piaget Vygotsky
More on individual in More social in focus.
focus.

Believed that there are Did not propose stages

universal stages of but emphasized on
cognitive development. cultural factors in
cognitive development.
Did not give much Stressed the role of
emphasis on language. language in cognitive
development.
 Sociocultural theory considers learning as a
semiotic process where participation in socially-
mediated activities is essential.

 Social interaction emphasized that effective

learning happens through participation in social
activities, making the social context of learning
crucial.

 Vgotsky theory was important in education since

these works provide tools for the development of
individuals learning.
Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory