Vygotsky

Question 1

Vygotskys theory of cognitive development

Answer 1

-The development of intellect and high level cognitive functions like reasoning arises from social interaction with others. Intellectual development is a social process

Question 2

How do children learn cognitive functions

Answer 2

Through social interaction with others

Question 3

What are cultural tools

Answer 3

Tools transmitted to the child by others that allow them to understand and gain knowledge of their environment, how to live, act etc

Question 4

Examples of cultural tools

Answer 4

Language-symbols to represent concepts- technological devices like computers- values and beliefs- allow children to understand their environment

Question 5

Social nature of thinking

Answer 5

-Thinking and being able to independently reason is an ability that rises out of social interaction as we begin to internalise problem solving processes and reasoning skills we gain from interactions with others

Question 6

Zone of proximal development

Answer 6

-The distance between current and potential ability, through scaffolding we can be pushed through the ZPD to our potential abilities and learn new skills-children must have tasks scaffolded effectively to be able to do skills alone

Question 7

Scaffolding

Answer 7

-Being given sensitive guidance to help complete a task, e.g clues, demonstrations without completing the task for them, giving and withdrawing help when needed so eventually they can do the task alone

Question 8

Zone of proximal development

Answer 8

Distance between potential and current ability

Question 9

social nature of thinking

Answer 9

We begin to think by internalising problem solving processes and reasoning we gain through interaction with others

Question 10

Wood’s research

Answer 10

-Wood found that children being scaffolded to do a building task for their mothers were most effective at being able to complete the task when given sensitive guidance-giving and withdrawing help when needed without doing the task for them-supports the view we learn through effective scaffolding providing support for the theory

Question 11

Freund’s research

Answer 11

-Also found children were most effective at completing a doll house furniature masking task when given sensitive guidance/effective scaffolding compared to other types of help