Theorists: Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) 

Page 15

​Lev Vygotsky was a Russian psychologist who believed that children’s learning is influenced by their society and culture. Vygotsky believed that other people play an important role in children’s learning. Vygotsky’s theory stated that children learn through their interactions with other people in their environment including parents, teachers and peers.    

Two important parts of Vygotsky’s theory are:

1. The Zone of Proximal Development is a term used to describe the difference between what a child can do without help and what a child can do with help. Teachers influence a young child’s learning by encouraging them to try new activities that are more difficult. Teachers, parents, other adults or an older child can guide and support the child in completing the activity.
2. Scaffolding is the word that is used to describe the process of guiding and supporting the child in learning a new activity or skill. The child may need more guidance the first time the puzzle is assembled but each time they assemble the puzzle they need less assistance until they are able to complete the puzzle without help. 

Video: Vygotsky's Developmental Theory: An Introduction 
Source: Davidson Films, Inc.
Length: 4:01 minutes
To view this video on YouTube click here 

Click here to report problems with this video.

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​​2. Pre-Assessment​ (1/7)
3. Erikson (1902-1994)
4. Stages of Social-Emotional
5. Erikson (2/7)
6. Jean Piaget (1896 -1980)
7. Cognitive Development Stages
​

8. Piaget's Stages of Development
9. Jean Piaget (3/7)
10. Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
11. Montessori Classroom 
12. Maria Montessori (4/7)
13. Reggio Emilia Approach
14. Reggio Emilia Early Childhood 
​

15. Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)
16. Kohlberg’s Stages 
17. Reflect - Theorists (5/7)
18. DAP
19. DAP  (6/7)
20. End of Course Assessment (7/7)
21. End of Course Evaluation
Parking Lot