paper

Classroom Applications of Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory

I. Introduction

a. Find attention grabbing quote or interesting Vygotsky fact.

b. “The main constructs of sociocultural theory rest on social experiences and

interaction set in the framwork of culture, as they influence learning and,

therefore, cognitive development.”

c. Based ideas on his experiences and observations as a classroom teacher

(Money, 2000).

d. This paper will explore Vygotsky’s theories of Zone of Proximal Development

(ZPD), More Knowledgable Other (MKO), and social envioronment and how

all play a role in cognitive development and how each can be implemented

into the classroom.

II. Major Strategies of Theory

a. Zone of Proximal Development

i. Actual development

ii. Potential development

iii. Scaffolding

b. More Knowledable Other

c. Social Environment

III. Theory Selection Rationale

a. Small group work

b. Combination of cognitive and educational/academic development

c. Use of ZPD to reach all students

IV. Classroom Implementation of Theory

a. Working in Small Groups

b. Using a Variety of Assessment Tools

c. Technology as a More Knowledgeable Other

d. Choices in Tasks

e. Learning Centers

f. Task Modeling

V. Conclusion

a. “Vygotsky’s sociocultureal theory lays a firm foundations upon which today’s

teachers can base their practice” by using ZPD, MKO and the social

envioronment in their classroom lessons to better meet the needs of all

students.

b. **need to include a conclusing statement that eases out of the paper.