Lev Vygotsky

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.

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.

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.

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

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