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The Vygotskian Framework

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Introduction

Vygostky is best known as an education psychologist with socio-cultural theory. According to his theory, social interaction leads continuous changes in children’s thought and behavior that are different in different cultures. He suggests three ways that cultural tool can be transferred which includes; imitative learning, instructed learning, and collaborative learning (Harris & Schroeder, 2013).

Basic Elements underlying the Vygotskian Framework

To implement socio-cultural theory basic underlying principles assist in its development. One of these elements is that children construct their knowledge. This involves the practice where children speak to themselves planning and guiding their own behavior. Preschoolers are mostly in this category since they have not learnt proper social skills and therefore result to having a private speech to help in accomplishing tasks (Hallam, Mani, & Lee, 2011). The second element is that development cannot be separated from its social context. This Suggest that children are more socialized in the dominant culture and this lay their foundation in development. The third element is that learning can lead development and the fourth is that language plays a central role in mental development. Following this process of socialization in the dominant culture induces cognitive development (Ballard & Butler, 2011).

My personal experience depicts that Language plays a central role in mental development. After birth I belonged to our culture where before I joined school I got the primary socialization. However, the first thing I mastered was my cultural language which equipped me with the capability to know the norms and values in my society. I later joined school where language was necessary for communication and learning process. My maturation has been as a result of my education which has made me who I am. I could not have done anything without support from my parents and teachers. These wonderful people in my life instilled knowledge, skills and understanding that lacked in me. I have developed higher mental function which involves ability to plan, evaluate, memorize and reason.

Socio-cultural Theory Revolutions

Vygotsky theory was based on a truly scientific psychology which could aid in the revolutionary transformation of society and help in exposing the capitalist’s myth. The theory realized that a scientific understanding would first require a scientific theory of human society. The prevailing ideas in the time of the theory were that human psychology originates in the isolated individuals. However, there is a scientific alternative that progressives can advance. Alexander Luria seemed surprised that the science of psychology has avoided the idea that many mental processes are social and historical in origin and that important manifestations of human consciousness have been directly shaped by the basic practices of human activity and actual forms of culture (Hallam et al., 2011; John-Steiner & Mahn, 1996).

Criticism

The theory ignores the role of individual and in contrast emphasizes the social or collective development. It fails in the fact that the mind is not seen as autonomous from the socio-cultural group. The theory does not acknowledge the possibility of anyone rising above social norms based on the ability to generate personal understanding. It is also assumed to be applicable to all cultures and ability but collaboration and participation differ for every individual making inequalities exist for each person (John-Steiner & Mahn, 1996).

Theory Application

Most of Vygotsky’s ideas, suppositions and insights are implemented into practical applications. Some of these ideas became starting points to new theories for instance the theory of periods in child development by Daniel Elkonin. The step-by-step formation of mental actions suggested in Vygotsky theory has influenced the school structure. This has been successful in creating innovative classroom practices to create innovative educational programs (Harris & Schroeder, 2013). For instance, a number of preschools and kindergarten curricula have been adopted. In United States of America, tools of mind which refers to an early childhood education program and a reciprocal reading, is used among older children. In reciprocal reading, children are taught to interact with text and as a result regulate their own thinking about the text as they read and listen (Rozin, 2010).

References

Ballard, J., & Butler, P. (2011). Personalized learning: Developing a Vygotskian framework for e-learning. International Journal of Technology, Knowledge & Society, 7(2), 21-36

Hallam, J., Mani, D.G., & Lee, H. (2011, Oct.). Shaping children's artwork in English primary classes: Insights from teacher–child interaction during art activities. International Journal of Early Years Education, 19(3/4), 193-205. DOI: 10.1080/09669760.2011.629489

Harris, Y.R., & Schroeder, V.M. (2013, July). The association between maternal strategies and preschoolers' memory for location of objects. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 10(4), 461-475. DOI: 10.1080/17405629.2012.713578

John-Steiner, V., & Mahn, H. (1996). Socio-cultural approaches to learning and development: A Vygotskian framework. Educational Psychologist, 31(3/4), 191

Rozin, V.M. (2010, Nov/Dec). Configuration in methodology and science. Journal of Russian & East European Psychology, 48(6), 67-94. DOI: 10.2753/RPO1061-0405480603