Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development
Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development begins with the social world, and in that way it is very different from Piaget's theory. All learning and ideas begin in the interaction between a child and all people situated within their own culture. Each culture has its own adaptations that have survived through generations. Vygotsky described three ways in which ideas are transmitted from a more experienced person to a less experienced one: the zone of proximal development, scaffolding, and private speech.
Zone of proximal development: this is what a child cannot do on her own but can do with a little help from someone more skilled or knowledgeable
Scaffolding: the idea that more knowledgeable adults and children support a child's learning by providing help to move the child just beyond his current level of capability
Private speech: talking to oneself, often out loud, to guide one's own actions
Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development begins with the social world, and in that way it is very different from Piaget's theory. All learning and ideas begin in the interaction between a child and all people situated within their own culture. Each culture has its own adaptations that have survived through generations. Vygotsky described three ways in which ideas are transmitted from a more experienced person to a less experienced one: the zone of proximal development, scaffolding, and private speech.
Zone of proximal development: this is what a child cannot do on her own but can do with a little help from someone more skilled or knowledgeable
Scaffolding: the idea that more knowledgeable adults and children support a child's learning by providing help to move the child just beyond his current level of capability
Private speech: talking to oneself, often out loud, to guide one's own actions