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LEV VYGOTSKY

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LANGUAGEFor Vygotsky learning language facilitates development. It allows children to receive ideas, culture, and thinking from those around them.

Vygotsky believed that learning language could enhance thinking. Thinking reflects language.

Piaget believed that language reflects thinking.

Vygotsky believed that learning language could enhance thinking. Thinking reflects language.

Piaget believed that language reflects thinking.

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ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT

The level of achievement that includes tasks that the child cannot accomplish alone but can achieve when assisted by a competent adult (or peer)

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ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT

Tasks below the zone the child can already accomplish with no help. Thus giving the child this kind of task involves no new learning.

Tasks above the zone cannot be accomplished even with help. Thus, giving the child this kind of task causes frustration and failure and results in no meaningful learning.

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THEREFORETHEREFORE

The job of the teacher is….

to provide activities within each child’s Zone of Proximal Development.

to provide activities within each child’s Zone of Proximal Development.

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SCAFFOLDINGStudents receive help that enables them to complete tasks that they cannot complete independently

Scaffolding is provided by knowledgeable others. This may be the teacher or other students in the classroom. Thus, Vygotsky would be a proponent of cooperative learning.

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TYPES OF SCAFFOLDING(EXAMPLES)

Modeling

Thinking aloud

Asking Questions

Cueing (mnemonic devices)

Sound Familiar?!Sound Familiar?!

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1. What is the relationship between learning and development?2. What motivates people?3. How important is behavior?4. How important is thinking?5. Are people active or passive?6. How important are emotions? 7. How do people change?

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• What educational goals are most consistent with this theory?• Goals within the ZPD

• What educational methodologies are most consistent with this theory?

•Techniques for Scaffolding

• According to this theory, what is the purpose of schools and education?

According to Vygotsky what Should Educators Be Trying to Achieve?

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How Is Achievement and/or the Lack of Achievement Explained?

• How does the theory define achievement?!!!

• What are the factors that contribute to achievement?

• What are the factors that contribute to lack of achievement (i.e., to causing a child to be labeled)?