Sociocultural

Theory
Lev Semenovich Vygotsky
 proposed the sociocultural theory
 Born in Orsha (now known as
Belarus), Russia in 1896
 He studied medicine and later law in Moscow
University
 Majored in Philosophy and History in an
independent university
 Worked as a schoolteacher and afterwards
became a psychologist for ten years.
 Vygotsky died at the age of 38 from
tuberculosis.
Definition
Sociocultural theory results from the dynamic interaction
between a person and the surrounding social and cultural
forces.

3 claims of Vygotsky
a) Fundamentally shaped by cultural tools
b) Functioning emerges out of social processes
c) Developmental methods (Zone of Proximal
Development)
Strategies to utilize the benefits of ZPD

a) Scaffolding –requires demonstration, while

controlling the environment so that one can take things step

by step.

b) Reciprocal teaching – open dialog between student

and teacher which goes beyond simple question and answer

session.
 Vygotsky theorized that human development is not
something that is fixed and eternal. It will change as a result
of historical development.

Cultural Influences
a) Imitative learning
b) Instructed learning
c) Collaborative learning

Principles
a) Cognitive development is limited to a certain range
at any given age.
b) Full cognitive development requires social
interaction.
5 Main Points

a) Use of Zone of Proximal Development

b) Interaction wth other people is important for
cognitive growth
c) Culture can make daily living more efficient and
effective.
d) Advanced mental methods start through social
activities.
e) Increase of the independent use of language and
thought during a child’s first few years of life.