Sociocultural Sociocultural TheoryTheory

Lev Semenovich Vygotsky

proposed the sociocultural theory

Born in Orsha (now known as

Belarus), Russia in 1896

He studied medicine and later law in Moscow

University

Majored in Philosophy and History in an

independent university

Worked as a schoolteacher and afterwards

became a psychologist for ten years.

Vygotsky died at the age of 38 from

tuberculosis.

Definition

Sociocultural theory results from the dynamic interaction

between a person and the surrounding social and cultural

forces.

3 claims of Vygotsky

a) Fundamentally shaped by cultural tools

b) Functioning emerges out of social processes

c) Developmental methods (Zone of Proximal

Development)

Strategies to utilize the benefits of ZPD

a) Scaffolding –requires demonstration, while

controlling the environment so that one can take things step

by step.

b) Reciprocal teaching – open dialog between student

and teacher which goes beyond simple question and answer

session.

Vygotsky theorized that human development is not

something that is fixed and eternal. It will change as a result

of historical development.

Cultural Influences

a) Imitative learning

b) Instructed learning

c) Collaborative learning

Principles

a) Cognitive development is limited to a certain range

at any given age.

b) Full cognitive development requires social

interaction.

5 Main Points5 Main Points

a) Use of Zone of Proximal Development

b) Interaction wth other people is important for

cognitive growth

c) Culture can make daily living more efficient and

effective.

d) Advanced mental methods start through social

activities.

e) Increase of the independent use of language and

thought during a child’s first few years of life.