Lev Vygotskys Social Development Theory

GED1053 Cognitive Development

Who is Lev Vygotsky?

Lev Vygotsky was born in Russia in 1896. He died at the young age of 37 from tuberculosis. Due to his early death, most of his theories were left undeveloped. His work in the last 10 years of his life has become the foundation of much research and theory in cognitive development.

Overview of Social Development Theory

Focuses on how cultural the values, beliefs, customs, and skills of a social group is transmitted to the next generation.
Social Interaction Influences Cognitive Development Biological and Cultural Development do not occur in Isolation Language plays a major role in Cognitive Development

Social Interaction
Cooperative dialogues between childern and more knowledgeable members of society - is necessary for children to acquire the ways of thinking and behaving that make up of a community culture (Rowe & Wertch, 2002). Children internalize the features of the dialogue guide own thought and actions and to acquire new skills (Berk & Harris, 2003).

Areas were social interaction can influence cognitive development

Engagement between the teacher and student Physical space and arrangement in learning environment Meaningful instruction in small or whole groups Scaffolding/Reciprocal teaching strategies

Zone of Proximal Development

Language and thinking

Rapid growth of language leads to profound change in thinking. Social dialogue encourage children to master culturally important tasks. Children communicate with themselves and others transform mental capacities into uniquely human and cognitive processes.

Children Private Speech

(Seemingly) Piaget egocentrics speech declines in favor of social speech through repeated disagreements with peers. Vygotskyss view foundation for all higher cognitive processes, including controlled attention, deliberate memorization and recall, categorization, planning, problem solving, abstract reasoning. Inner speech - Children speak to themselves for self-guidance Internal verbal dialogues we carry on while thinking and acting in everyday situation. Children self-directed speech With age changing to whispers and silent lips movement Private speech increase during a challenging activities Prolong period of private speech in children with learning and behavior problem.

What is the Zone of Proximal Development?

The zone of proximal development is the area of learning that a more knowledgeable other (MKO) assists the student in developing a higher level of learning. The goal is for the MKO to be less involved as the student develops the necessary skills. Vygotsky describes it as the distance between the actual development level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers (Vygotsky, 1978).

How Adult help?

Questioning prompting, Suggesting strategies

Intersubjectivity
Process whereby two participants who begin a task with Different understandings arrive at a shared understanding. parent-infant mutual gaze Exchange ocal and emotional signals Imitation Children create ZPD for one another Joint play with objects Dialogues with peers Affirm playmates message, new ideas

Scaffolding
Vygotsky defined scaffolding instruction as the role of teachers and others in supporting the learners development and providing support structures to get to that next stage or level (Raymond, 2000). Teachers provide scaffolds so that the learner can accomplish certain tasks they would otherwise not be able to accomplish on their own (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000).
The goal of the educator is for the student to become an independent learner and problem solver (Hartman, 2002).

Scaffolding Strategies

Motivate the childs interest in the task.

Break the task down into manageable steps.

Provide some direction to keep the child focused.

Reduce factors that cause frustration.

Model and define the expectations of the activity.

Reciprocal Teaching
Questioning

Reciprocal Teaching is used to improve a students ability to learn from text through the practice of four skills: summarizing, clarifying, questioning, and predicting. Peer collaboration with teacher guide

(Q & A)

Predicting (upcoming content base on clue)

Reciprocal Teaching

Summarizing (discussion)

Clarifying (unfamiliar ideas)

Reciprocal Strategies

Use props to illustrate each of the four skills to be practiced: summarizing, clarifying, questioning, and predicting. Have students buddy read and practicing using the reciprocal strategies.

Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other's learning (Johnson, Johnson, & Holubec,
1993).

Teacher Clarify Goal Recognition group & Individual efforts

Define Role
Cooperative Learning

Within cooperative learning groups students discuss the material to be learned with each other, help and assist each other to understand it, and encourage each other to work hard.

Assess Student knowledge

Facilitate team activity (academic, social skills & behavior)

Language
Language plays a central role in mental development Language is the main means by which adults transmit information to children Language itself becomes a very powerful tool of intellectual adaptation

How can we practically apply Vygotskys theories to our everyday classrooms?

Vygotsky and Education

Emphasize on the importance of social context and collaboration Accept individual differences Provide opportunity for students active participation Teachers guide student learning, tailoring their intervention to each childs ZPD Make-believe play Literacy activities

Physical Arrangement in the Classroom

Arrange student desks in clusters. Arrange other work spaces for peer instruction, collaboration, and small group instruction.

Lesson Content

Create lessons that engage student interest and give them a basis for language when socially interacting. Use technology and hands on activities to further engage them in learning.