Vygotsky

Vygotsky

1. there is a dialectical relationship between the child and the cultural environment

   • Moshman (1982) dialectical constructivism
     • knowledge lies in the continual interacton between the individual  and the individual and the environment
     • contrasts this with the "endogenous" constr. which is more P in nature
       • and exogeneous c which is more akin to IP

2. Zone of Proximal Development

   • ZPD is the level of competence on a task in which the student cannot yet master the task on his/ her own but can perform the task with appropriate guidance and support from a more competent child or adult who can recognise the learner's current level functioning and the kind of performance that might be possible, and provide appropriate support

3. cognitive development

   • occurs as the child internalizes the processes that take place in the course of interacting with a more competent adult or peer
     • the child's cognitive structures are reorganized, and in later interactions the child may show evidence of having developed new CS
       • by explaining his/ her thoughts and actions

4. pairing an adult with a child is most likely to promote cognitive growth

   • Webb farivar (1994) middle school students can be taught how to solicit help
     • peers need assistance in providing apropriate help
       • King et al; ahow that with appropriate instructional support, peers can respond effectively to one anothers efforts.

5. the basic locus of human learning is social interactions, cultural practices and reciprocal personal and social transformations

   • the meaning of language and semiotic mediation emphasised as a basis for understanding human activities