1. Lev Vygotsky

2. His social development theory is one of the
foundations of constructivism and asserts three
main themes;
Social interaction plays a fundamental role in
the process of cognitive development
More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
In other words, what we learn is the following: how to learn based on our surroundings, history, and cultural artefacts. Thus we learn how to speak, and think, and think using speech in our thoughts, all through these interactions. Vygotsky's investigations have shown that thought and speech, "are, on the contrary, delicate, changeable relations between processes, which arise during the development of verbal thought." Thus, our thinking and speaking are not static. Instead, they are active interactions that constantly change and develop, when coupled with socio-cultural-historical encounters.

3. Social Interaction In his social development theory Vygotsky believes
what we learn, has a direct link on how we learn.
And that this social interaction is vital to the learning experience. We would call it co-operative learning.

4. More Knowledgeable Other
The MKO refers to anyone who has a better understanding or a higher ability level than the learner, with respect to a particular task, process, or concept.
The MKO is normally thought of as being the teacher
or educator, but the MKO could also be the learners peers or even ICT.

5. Zone of Proximal Development
Involves the creation of the learning environment to enable activities to allow for the development of the learners present knowledge or ability to a higher level.
Scaffolding is the assistance during the process of learning development which aids the learner. The ‘scaffold’ is lowered as the learners level increases.
What student already knows
ZPD
Student Potential

6. Teach others/immediate use of learning
But is it effective?
Average
Retention
Rate 5%
Lecture
10%
Reading
20%
Audio Visual
Demonstration
30%
50%
Class Discussion
Practice by doing
75%
Teach others/immediate use of learning
90%
Source: National Training Laboratories Bethel Maine