Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory

Definition

Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory is an approach to understanding cognitive development that emphasizes the role of social interaction and cultural context in shaping a child's thinking and learning. It suggests that children learn through their interactions with more knowledgeable individuals, such as parents or teachers, who provide guidance and support.

Related terms

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): The ZPD refers to the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with assistance. It represents the range of tasks that are too difficult for a child to complete alone but can be accomplished with guidance.

Scaffolding:

Scaffolding is a teaching technique where a more skilled individual provides temporary support (such as prompts or cues) to help a learner master new skills or concepts within their ZPD.

Cultural Tools:

According to Vygotsky, cultural tools are the symbols, language, artifacts, and other aspects of culture that shape our thinking processes. They include things like writing systems, calculators, computers, or even gestures used in communication.