Social Context of Learning

Question 1

Vygotsky

Answer 1

Learning must be viewed in context of the person’s culture and the tools that exist in that culture

He challenged the strict behaviourist approach of that time (1930’s) - Vygotsky believed that consciousness is central to the science of the mind and that human beings are subject to ongoing interplay between biological and cultural forces

Question 2

What view did he share with Piaget?

Answer 2

Like Piaget he saw the child as an active constructor of knowledge and understanding BUT placed emphasis on the role of direct intervention –> more knowledgeable others could assist in the learning process

Question 3

2 way Process

Answer 3

2 way process;
The child’s development as a learner reflects their cultural experiences // Significant cultural experiences become internalised into the structure of child’s intellect

Question 4

Influence of culture

Answer 4

Learning is influence by cultural context

eg. Asian cultures performed better at tests involving estimates, whereas western cultures performed better at accurate measurements. This was explained by differnet cultures aquiring different skills to suit their culture. Asain cultures work in the rice trade which works primarily with estimates

Question 5

Zone of Proximal Development

Answer 5

Zone of proximal development is a way of catergorising things children are currently incapable of doing but with help are able to achieve.

Vygotsky’s ideas are have been applied to education by Bruner (1986) as a technique known as ‘scaffolding’
eg. modelling an action