✓ Vygotsky's Theory of Cognitive Development Flashcards
What did Vygotsky say about cognitive development?
V saw cog. development as a social process of learning from more experienced others
How did Vygotsky say cog. development occurs?
first occurs on a sociocultural level as the child interacts with others (intermental)
later the child internalises in their mind what they have learnt (intramental)
Why would there be differences in children’s cog. abilities?
there will be cultural differences in cog. abilities if the child is learning from those more experienced others they have contact with
What are the 2 key concepts Vygotsky identified?
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
&
Scaffolding
How did V identify ZPD?
+
What is ZPD?
V put emphasis on learning through interaction with others
he identified a gap between a child’s current level of development (what they can do alone) and what they can potentially understand after interaction with an ‘expert’ (e.g. parents, teachers, older peers)
the gap is the ZPD
How can a child cross the ZPD?
expert assistance allows the child to cross the ZPD & understand more
What do children acquire through social interaction with an expert?
more advanced reasoning abilities
What is Scaffolding?
scaffolding refers to the temporary support framework by adults & more knowledgeable peers to help a learner cross the ZPD
How does Scaffolding help the child cross the ZPD?
this scaffold is gradually withdrawn as the child begins to work more independently & is crossing the ZPD
it starts at Level 5 and ends at Level 1
What are the Prompts of the 5 Levels of Scaffolding?
Level 5 - demonstration
Level 4 - preparation for child
Level 3 - indication of materials
Level 2 - specific verbal instructions
Level 1 - general prompts
What are the Examples of the 5 Levels of Scaffolding?
(crayon)
Level 5 - mother draws an object w crayons
Level 4 - mother helps child grasp a crayon
Level 3 - mother points to crayon
Level 2 - mother says ‘use the green crayon’
Level 1 - mother says ‘now draw smth else’
