Learning Vygotsky Sociocultural Theory

Human Development Course SOCW 3550|
Thompson Rivers University
A collaborative group project completed by:
Elise Bruno, Priscila De Olazaval, and Chris Blois

The sociocultural theory, created by Lev Vygotsky, argues that cognitive development only occurs within the culture and environment that the individual is raised and exposed to (Feldman, 2016 p. 19).  The sociocultural theory believes that children learn and grow from social interactions with the people that surrounded them.  This could be from parents, other adults, children and peers that they were exposed to regularly. 

Interactions, including playing with other children, or being guided in how to perform certain tasks, contribute to higher mental functions.    Vygotsky argued that higher mental functions develop through these interactions with others and these interactions represented a shared knowledge of a culture.  (Feldman, 2016, p. 160)

Explore Vygotsky’s theory by playing the game below. To engage yourself in the game you can use the randomizer wheel, and move forward, or backward, to learn new concepts and become immersed in Vygotsky’s theory. Keep track of the space you are on, the game does not keep track for you.

Alternatively, you can click on each space and learn the theory fully in the sequence outlined.

References

Alderson-Day, B., & Fernyhough, C. (2015).Inner speech: Development, cognitive functions, phenomenology, and neurobiology. Psychological Bulletin, 141(5), 932. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000021

Cazden, C. B. (1988). Classroom discourse: The language of teaching and learning. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000021

Eady, M. J., Verinikina, I., & Jones, S. (2010). Indigenous sharing, collaboration and synchronous learning. University of Wollongong Research Online (960-969). https://ro.uow.edu.au/edupapers/1024.

Feldman, R. S., & Landry, S. (2017). Discovering the lifespan. (2nd e.d.) New Jersey, NJ: Pearson.

Freeman, E. M., & Couchonnal, G. (2006). Narrative and Culturally Based Approaches in Practice with Families. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 87(2), 198-208. https://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.3513.

Harland, T. (2003) Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Problem-based Learning: Linking a theoretical concept with practice through action research. Teaching in Higher Education, 8(2), 263–272.

Heinonen, T., & Spearman, L. B. (2010). Social work practice: Problem solving and beyond (3rd e.d.) Toronto: Irwin Publishing.

Karpov, Y. V. (2003). Development through the lifespan: A neo-Vygotskian approach. In A. Kozulin, B. Gindis, V. S. Ageyev, & S. M. Miller (Eds.). Vygotsky’s educational theory in cultural context (138–155). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511840975.009.

Moen, T. (2006). Reflections on the Narrative Research Approach. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 5(4), 56–69. https://doi.org/10.1177/160940690600500405.

Perry, B., & Szalavitz, M. (2006). The boy who was raised as a dog. Basic Books.

TeachKloud. (2018, March 15). Vygotsky in 60 seconds [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/e7k2Ix2eEKs.

Stone, A. (1998) The Metaphor of Scaffolding: Its Utility for the Field of Learning Disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities. 34,(344-364). https://doi.org/10.1177/002221949803100404.

Verenikina, Irina (2003) Understanding Scaffolding and the ZPD in Educational Research. University of Wollongong Research Online. https://ro.uow.edu.au/edupapers/381.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978) Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes (M. Cole, V. John-Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman, Eds.) Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

van den Berg, K. (n.d.). When Women Drum [Journal Story]. Ryerson School of Journalism. https://indigenouslandurbanstories.ca/portfolio-item/when-women-drum/.

original Videos

Scaffolding Concept Video created by Chris Blois using Prezi platform

Scaffolding and Narrative Theory Video Created by Elise Bruno

Using a Strengths Based Approach video created by Priscila De Olazaval using Prezi platform

Photographs

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