Vygotsky Theory Essay

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Cognitive Development “Cognitive Development always takes place within a social and cultural context.” Vygotsky believed that cognitive development is strongly influenced by social and cultural factors. Vygotsky agreed with Piaget that children may be able to reach a particular cognitive level through their own efforts. However, Vygotsky (1978, 1987) argued that children are able to attain higher levels of cognitive development through the support and instruction that they receive from other people. Researchers have confirmed that social interaction, especially with older children and adults, play a significant role in a child’s cognitive development. One of Vygotsky’s important ideas was his notion of the Zone of proximal development (ZPD). This refers to the gap between what children can accomplish on their own and what they can accomplish with the help of others who are more competent. Note that the word proximal means “nearby,” indicating that the assistance provided goes just slightly beyond the child’s current abilities. Such guidance can help “stretch” the Child’s cognitive abilities to new levels. Vygotsky defined the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) as the distance between the most difficult task a child can do alone and the most difficult task a child can do with help. He believed that a child on the edge of learning a new concept can benefit from the interaction with a teacher or a classmate. Vygotsky referred to the assistance a teacher or peer offers a child as scaffolding {(to use language and social interaction to guide children’s thinking.) For example, when scaffolding, adults offer direct solutions to problems, indirectly guide them with hints or questions, or allow them to think completely independently, depending on what they need to learn.} In the same way, adults and peers can help a child “reach” a new concept or skill by giving
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