vygotsky

Question 1

outline Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development

Answer 1

• social mediated process- development happens with help of others
• children aquire knowledge through collaborative dialogues with MKO (more knowledgable other)
• Vygotsky thinks learning proceeds development- if you are taught the knowledge earlier, you can develop earlier

Question 2

define scaffolding in Vygotsky’s theory

Answer 2

help that MKO gives to support child to cross ZPD (zone of proximal development)

Question 3

outline the zones of Vygotsky’s scaffolding theory

Answer 3

ZAD (zone of actual development)- can do alone once gained knowledge
ZPD (zone of proximal development) -can do with help from MKO
out of reach- can’t do at all

Question 4

outline Wood, Burner and Ross’ further research into Vygotsky’s scaffolding theory

Answer 4

levels of help and nature of prompt:
level 5- demonstration
level 4- preperation
level 3- indication of materials
level 2- specific verbal instructions
level 1- general prompts

Question 5

evaluate Vygotsky’s theory into cognitive development

Answer 5

A: Roazzi + Bryant: gave 4-5 year olds task of estimating number of sweets in a box (one condition alone, other had MKO)- MKO condition had more help and therefore were more accurate
A: Conner + Cross: observed 45 children doing problem solving task with help of mothers- mothers used less direct help overtime by giving prompts and children gained good experience from it
C: Howe: studied children watching and discussing movements of objects down slope- increased understanding by all but made different conclusions with what happened -> disagrees with theory by needing a MKO to learn