Vygotsky’s Theory Of Cognitive Development Flashcards
What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
The gap between a child’s current level of development (what they can do unaided) and what they can do with the help of a more knowledgeable other.
What is scaffolding?
The process of helping a learner cross the Zone of Proximal Development by providing structured support.
How did Vygotsky differ from Piaget?
Vygotsky saw cognitive development as a social process, where learning occurs first between individuals (intermental) and then within the child (intramental).
Why did Vygotsky emphasize language in cognitive development?
He believed language plays a crucial role in shaping thought and reasoning abilities.
How do cultural differences affect cognitive development?
Children acquire reasoning abilities from their cultural environment, learning ‘mental tools’ that are important for their social and physical lives.
What are the five aspects of scaffolding identified by Wood, Bruner, and Ross?
- Recruitment - engaging the child’s interest.
- Reduction of degrees of freedom - guiding focus and approach.
- Direction maintenance - keeping motivation.
- Marking critical features - highlighting key aspects.
- Demonstration - showing how to complete a task.
What research supports the Zone of Proximal Development?
Roazzi & Bryant tested 4-5 year olds estimating sweets in a box. Alone, they were less accurate, but with help from an older child (‘expert’), accuracy improved, supporting the ZPD.
What research supports scaffolding?
Conner & Cross conducted a longitudinal study with 45 children solving problems with their mothers at 16, 26, 44, and 54 months. Over time, mothers provided less direct help and used more prompts, showing how scaffolding is gradually reduced.
How has Vygotsky’s theory been applied in education?
Keer & Verhaeghe found that 7-year-olds tutored by 10-year-olds progressed further in reading, supporting the benefits of peer learning and scaffolding in education.
