Vygotsky’s Theory Of Cognitive Development

Question 1

What is Vygotsky’s main argument?

Answer 1

Community and language play a central role in learning.

Question 2

Does Vygotsky acknowledge cultural differences?

Answer 2

Yes, children acquire the abilities of those around them - abilities differ across the globe

Question 3

What is meant by the zone of proximal development?

Answer 3

The gap between a learners current level of development and what they can potentially do with the help of a more knowledgeable other.

Question 4

What is meant by intermental (Vygotsky)

Answer 4

Learning is between the minds of the more knowledgeable other and learner.

Question 5

What is meant by intramental?

Answer 5

When knowledge is in the learners mind.

Question 6

Is learning intermental or intramental first?

Answer 6

Intermental as the knowledge is not in the learners mind yet.

Question 7

What is meant by scaffolding?

Answer 7

When the more knowledgeable other helps the learner cross the ZOPD.

Question 8

What are the 3 stages of speech proposed by Vygotsky?

Answer 8

Social (0-3): external communication.
Private (3-7): speech to self.
Inner (7+): silent speech.

Question 9

What are 3 differences between Piaget and Vygotsky?

Answer 9

1. Vygotsky emphasised language as being more important whilst Piaget emphasised schemas.
2. Vygotsky believes private speech is significant for children’s development whilst Piaget does not.
3. Vygotsky acknowledges cultural differences in learning whilst Piaget proposed development to be the same universally.

Question 10

What are two strengths of Vygotsky’s theory?

Answer 10

1. Research support for ZOPD.
   Roazzi + Bryant: Children could correctly estimate number of sweets with an older child.
   There is a gap between level of reasoning a child can achieve on their own and with a more knowledgeable other.
   ZOPD is a valid concept.
2. Implications in education.
   Scaffolding commonly used by teachers e.g math teachers verbalise their thought process when solving a problem modelling the process of solving a complex problem.
   Helps students understand + provides support needed to understand concepts/lessons.
   Shows theory can maximise learning.
   Real life app.

Question 11

What is one limitation of Vygotsky’s theory?

Answer 11

1. Individual differences.
   Some children cannot learn via social interactions e.g those with non-verbal learning disorders.
   Theory has limited application - only useful for those with no learning disabilities.
   Cannot explain how all children learn.