PSYC 2120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Lev Vygotsky
Document Summary
Piaget"s account of cognitive change is somewhat vague. Ages and timing of development slightly of. Scafolding: tasks child cannot do alone, but can learn with help, adjusting support ofered while teaching to fit child"s current ability. Cognition based on: social interactions, language. Rapid language growth leads to change in thinking. Piaget called this egocentric speech : when children talk themselves through a certain task usually internal thoughts that are expressed out loud. Vygotsky viewed as foundation for all higher cognitive processes. Gradually becomes more silent: used more when tasks are difficult, after errors, or when confused, children with learning and behavior problems use longer. Cooperative learning = small groups of classmates work toward common goals: more expert peers can promote other kids" development, cultural variations in ability to learn cooperatively, enhances peer relationships. How vygotsky was right: helps explain cultural diversity in cognition, emphasizes importance of teaching.
