Lesson 4.

Vygotsky Social Culture Theory

• Vygotsky theory is that social interaction plays a very important in cognitive development.
• din not focus on the individual child as a product on the individual child as a product of social interaction, especially with adults.
• focus on dynamic interactions rather than child by himself.
• people thinking differs dramatically between cultures because different cultures stress different things.

4 Basic Principles Underlying the Vygotsky's Framework

1. Children construct their knowledge.
2. Development cannot be separated from its social context.
3. Learning is mediated.
4. Language plays a central role in mental development.

 Main Principles

1. The more knowledgeable other-refers to anyone who has better understanding or higher ability level than the learner.
2. Zone of Proximal Development-difference between what child can accomplish done and he/she can accomplish with the guidance of another.

Features of ZPD

1. Scaffolding-appropriate assistance given by the teacher to assist the learner accomplish a task.
2. Reciprocal Teaching-a highly successful teaching method, it provides an environment of open dialogue between student and teacher which goes beyond a simple question and answer session.

Types of Mental Function

• Lower Mental Function-are those which we are born, are the natural function and genetically determined.
• Higher Mental Function-are acquired and developed through social interaction.

MY REFLECTION

  In this theory it indicates the understanding and communication between different cultures. Also there is a main principles to understand the higher ability on what the children learned in their own.