cognition and development - vygotsky theory evaluation

Question 1

what is a strength of vygotskys theory ( support for ZPD)

Answer 1

There is support for the zone of proximal development.

Roazzi and Bryant (1998) found that 4-5-year olds performed better on a ‘number of sweets’ challenge when working with peers rather than alone.

This demonstrated that children could develop more advanced reasoning skills when working experts

This suggests that the zone of proximal development is a valid concept

Question 2

what is another strength of vygotsky (application to education)

Answer 2

Vygotsky’s ideas have been highly influential in education.

Van Keer and Verhaeghe (2005) found that 7-year-olds tutored by 19-year-olds, in addition to whole class teaching, progressed further in reading than a control group who only had class teaching.

this shows effectiveness of scaffolding

This has raised expectations of what children should be able to achieve.

Question 3

what is a limitation of vygotskys theory (individual differences)

Answer 3

Vygotsky assumed learning the same in all children.

Some children learn best during social interaction but this may not be true for everyone.

Personality and style of information processing may have powerful effects on what works for different children.

Vygotsky’s theory therefore does not take account of individual differences.