Family Fundamentals: Vygotsky’s Theory of Sociocultural Cognitive Development

Lev Vygotsky is a leader in cognitive development theories. The Russian psychologist developed his theory in the early 1900s. It is widely recognized today. It states that social interaction is the most essential element of psychological development.

What are the Main Points of Vygotsky’s Theory?

· Culture is a crucial factor in a child’s cognitive development, speech, and reasoning

· Children learn by engaging with adults. Communication sets guidelines for the child’s responses and interpretations of the world around them.

· Children that interact with more advanced adults will attain higher mental abilities.

· Cognitive abilities develop in stages.

· Language can be classified as inner speech. Inner speech controls reasoning. External speech enables communication with others. Before the age of two, children use external speech only. Later in life, the processes merge, and the child’s reasoning skills develop.

Vygotsky vs. Piaget

Jean Piaget is a Swiss psychologist who also developed theories regarding children’s cognitive development. Both Piaget and Vygotsky believed cognition developed in stages. But their schools of thought diverge in other matters.

· Vygotsky Puts an Emphasis on Culture: Vygotsky believed culture played a big part in cognitive development. Piaget believed that cognitive development is universal across cultures.

· Vygotsky Focuses on Social Factors: Vygotsky’s theory states that a child’s cognitive development stems from adult interactions. Piaget believed that independent explorations encourage cognition.

· Vygotsky Notes the Importance of Language: Piaget’s theory proposed that thought comes before language. Vygotsky argued that thought and language are separate systems that merge when a child is about three years old.

The Zone of Proximal Development

The zone of proximal development is another important tenant of Vygotsky’s theory. The psychologist defines it as “the distance between the actual development (of the learner) as determined by independent problem solving, and the level of potential development as determined through problem-solving under adult guidance, or in collaboration with more capable peers.”

To simplify, it differentiates between a child’s independent knowledge and skills and those they exhibit under an adult’s guidance. Vygotsky believed children would extend this zone by interacting with more advanced people.

Some research has backed this theory. One study showed that test anxiety reduces when a person has someone available to assist if needed. A 2013 case study found that assistance can help students develop writing skills.

A 1990 study conducted by Sigmund Freud backed that theory of the ZPD. Children in the study had to decide which furniture items to place in a doll’s house. Some children played with their mothers before attempting the task, while others worked alone.

The children who worked with their mothers before the task showed improvement on their second attempt.

Everyday Applications of Vygotsky’s Theory

In the Classroom: Teachers can apply Vygotsky’s theory in a class by organizing children into groups of less-skilled and more developed learners. They can also assist with learning by offering hints, prompts, and direct instruction.

In Play and Socialization: Vygotsky believed playtime boosts imagination and encourages cognitive abilities. Parents can promote this type of learning by offering children various play experience opportunities. Imaginary play, role-playing, reenactments of events, and games are especially beneficial.

Is Vygotsky’s Theory Correct?

Various schools of thought will argue for and against Vygotsky’s theory. But there is no doubt that children benefit from social interaction with their elders. You can also state that Piaget’s theory that proposes independent exploration is correct. Both interaction and independent learning can promote cognitive growth.

A 2013 review indicates differences in cognitive processing in adults from Eastern and Western cultures. For example, Western cultures equate memory with note-taking. Eastern cultures use different strategies like typing knots in string and carrying pebbles. The research backs Vygotsky’s theory on the role of culture in cognitive development.

Research has been conducted to determine Vygotsky’s theory on speech. A 2016 study showed that individuals with global aphasia, who have almost no ability to understand and produce language, can still solve mathematical problems, enjoy music, and navigate their surroundings without assistance. The study establishes that music and thought are separate entities.

Scientific evidence is not the be-all and end-all of how one raises a child. But it’s fascinating to consider how a theory developed so many years ago is validated by modern research. It continues to play a role in how we view cognitive development today.