Lev Vygotsky had a premature death so
didn't fully develop his theory. Even so his ideas still have a
significant impact in child development. Vygotsky has a
sociocultural perspective
which is a perspective that emphasizes society and the culture of
cognitive development. Seeing socio and cultural makes that obvious
but sometimes it's tough to articulate the obvious. Piaget didn't
emphasize social interaction to be important but Vygotsky does.
Adults attach the meanings of objects and events by social
interaction. This doesn't need to be done just by conversation but
also through art, mathematical symbols, music and literature. An
adult could convey what war meant by a picture of people getting
fired at and dirty faces and bodies.
(Mr. Vygotsky)
Actual development level
is the upper limit of tasks that a child can perform by their self.
A child's level of potential development
is the upper limit of tasks that a child can do with the assistance
of a more competent individual. To measure a child's cognitive
development we should consider both development levels. Performing
tasks at the upper limits of a child's abilities maximizes cognitive
growth. The zone of proximal development
or ZPD is the range
of tasks that a child can perform with assistance and help. Play is
another way to boost cognitive growth. It is not a waste of time
because it provides valuable training for the adult world. The
author talks about her son and his friend playing with a fake
restaurant kitchen. The adult roles such as restaurant manager,
waiter and cook prepares them for these roles when they grow older.
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