School is primarily a social environment, a culture where people interact with each other and various cultural materials. It is the training ground to enhanced our knowledge, develop our skills etc. In our subject, we already discussed some of different theories and interpretation how individual construct, develop and enhanced their knowledge. The following are Piaget Cognitive Development, Erickson Eight Stages of Human Development, Kholberg's Moral Development and so much more. This blog however, focus on better understanding of Vygotsky's work and his explanation on how it take place.
Lev Vygotsky ,"The Mozart of Psychology"is considered a seminar thinker in Psychology. His idea influenced the field of psychology and education. For him, social interaction emphasized that effective learning happens through participation in social activities. His work was very important today since these work provide tools for the development of individual learning. The theory itself, promotes as a semiotic process where participation in socially-mediated activities is essential.
Sociocultural theory has great impact on the learning and teaching profession. Sociocultural theory of learning views learning not within the child only, but the child in social activities with the society, a peer, more knowledgeable other,parents and a teacher.
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
According to Vygotsky, learning is not as development but a process that results in development. The term ZPD is the distance between the actual development level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers. The ZPD needs to involve inter-subjectivity between participants where individuals share a purpose and a focus. It can be seen to exist when people work on a problem where at least one of the alone could not work on it effectively. This can occur in a classroom interaction, at home where two sibling accomplished the task with the help of one who has more knowledgeable.
More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)
One of the two principles of sociocultural theory , where in anyone who has better understanding or a higher ability than the learner or receiver, with respect to a particular task, a process or concept.
Scaffolding
It requires that a individual/instructor shows examples how to solve a problem, while controlling the learning environment so that the students/child can take things step by step their knowledge without excessive frustration.
Reciprocal Teaching
It provides an environment of open dialogue between student and teacher which goes beyond a simple question and answer session. During my school days, reciprocal was one of the effective way of teaching because teacher gave a situation or problem then allow all the student participate and gave their own opinion, sight or learning.
Learning and Insight of Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
A child construct their their knowledge on their own, through guidance and support of an individual the development of a child can be more easier. Sociocultural theory founded on the place that learning in social nature and language plays a important role in learning. Classroom interaction could address the importance of language. Students learn to express their self-expression.
