Question

How does Zone of Proximal Development (Vygotsky) relate to Middle Childhood, Cognitive Development and why is understanding this theory essential when raising, teaching, or mentoring children? Note: Keep developmentally appropriate practice in mind (Piaget).

Answer 1

In terms of social context of cognitive development,LEV VYGOTSKY (1978) emphasised the role of social factors and Language in the school going children. Vygotsky suggested that, in School aged children their Cognitive growth is very much depends upon their Interpersonal and Social interaction. This helps them to move beyond their level of Actual Development (what they can do without others help) and towards their level of Potential development (what they can achieve with the help of others).This difference between the two terms is called as Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) .

He explains assistance from others in two forms:

1.reciprocal teaching - teacher and the child takes turn in learning new activities through which an adult will get a chance to serve as a model/teacher .

2.Scaffolding- The elder ones or teachers provide a mental framework the children can use to achieve new task and attain new way of thinking.

Vygotsky has strongly believed that the kind of Social interaction between children and adults can indeed enhance their Cognitive development. By coming into contacts with the elder one children's social skills improves, reading Ability increases,they use more insights in their thinking. When they get more socially skilled,they will learn and understand more about others thinking.