VYGOTSKY + THEORY

What is the essence of Vygotsky's theory?

The major theme of Vygotsky's theoretical framework is that SOCIAL INTERACTION plays a fundamental role in the development of cognition.

Vygotsky (1978) states: "Every function in the child's cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological). This applies equally to voluntary attention, to logical memory, and to the formation of concepts. All the higher functions originate as actual relationships between individuals." (p57).

A second aspect of Vygotsky's theory is the idea that the potential for cognitive development depends upon the "ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT" (ZPD): a level of development attained when children engage in social behavior. Full development of the ZPD depends upon full social interaction. The range of skill that can be developed with adult guidance or peer collaboration exceeds what can be attained alone.

For further information -> http://tip.psychology.org/vygotsky.html

Principles:

1. Cognitive development is limited to a certain range at any given age.

2. Full cognitive development requires social interaction.