my developmental psychology assignment (lev vygotsky)

The social development of Lev Vygotsky states that social interaction precedes development. Lev Vygotsky stressed in his theories that social interaction set the foundation for cognitive development.

Lev Vygotsky believed that humans are born with basic abilities for cognitive development, these abilities are

·         Attention

·         Sensation

·         Perception

·         Memory

Later on after interaction this basic abilities develops into complex mental process, Lev Vygotsky talked about the intellectual tools like memory mnemonics and memory maps which allow children to use basic mental functions more effectively and this is determined by culture.

Social influences on cognitive development

Lev Vygotsky believed that even cognitive task that are performed alone is influenced by beliefs, values and intellectual tools provided by the cultural background that the individual is exposed to. Lev Vygotsky said that important learning by a child is as a result of social interaction with a skilful tutor, this could occur through verbal instruction or actions of the tutor then internalised the information using it to guide or regulate their performance.

More Knowledgeable Other(MKO)

The term More Knowledgeable Other(MKO) refers to the person that has more knowledge about a particular topic, aspect or concept than the learner. The MKO doesn’t necessarily be an older person, it just has to be a person with more knowledge than the learner.

Zone of Proximal Development

Zone of proximal development is another concept of Lev Vygotsky, it deals with the difference between what a child can achieve independently and what he can achieve with some guidance. Lev Vygotsky believed that the zone of proximal development is where sensitive instruction should be given.

 Lev Vygotsky believed that interaction with peers is an effective way of developing skills and strategies, Lev Vygotsky believed that language develops from social interactions and communication purpose.

Vygotsky viewed language as a man’s greatest tool, a means for communicating with the outside world. Lev Vygotsky believed that language plays two important roles in cognitive development.

·         It is the main means by which adults transmit information to children.

·         Language itself becomes a very powerful tool of intellectual adaptation.

Lev Vygotsky said there are three forms of language

·         Social speech which is external communication used to talk to others, this happens from 2yrs old

·         Private speech, which is directed to the self and serves an intellectual function, this is from 3yrs old

·         and finally private speech goes underground, diminishing in audibility as it takes on a self-regulating function and is transformed into silent inner speech this occurs from age 7