Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of cognitive development

Definition

Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of cognitive development is a psychological theory that emphasizes the role of social interactions and cultural influences in shaping an individual's cognitive development. According to Vygotsky, learning takes place through collaboration with others and is influenced by cultural tools such as language, symbols, and shared knowledge.

Related terms

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): This term refers to the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance or support from someone more knowledgeable.

Scaffolding:

In education, scaffolding refers to providing temporary support or assistance to learners as they work on tasks or solve problems.

Cultural-historical psychology: This field explores how culture and history shape human behavior and development, aligning closely with Vygotsky's sociocultural theory.