Child Development

1st Chapter
Question: Define Vygotsky’s Theory
Vygotsky’s Theory in child development, also known as the sociocultural theory, was proposed
by the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky. This theory emphasizes the importance of social
interaction and cultural influences on cognitive development. According to Vygotsky, children
learn and develop through their interactions with others, particularly more knowledgeable
individuals, such as parents, teachers, or peers.

One key concept in Vygotsky’s theory is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which
refers to the difference between what a child can do on their own and what they can achieve with
the help of a more knowledgeable person. Vygotsky believed that learning occurs within this
zone when a child is challenged to reach beyond their current level of understanding with the
support of a knowledgeable other.

Another important aspect of Vygotsky’s theory is the idea of scaffolding, where the more
knowledgeable individual provides temporary support to help the child accomplish a task or
solve a problem. As the child gains understanding and skills, the support is gradually removed,
allowing the child to become more independent in their learning.

Overall, Vygotsky’s theory highlights the significance of social interaction, cultural context, and
collaborative learning in the cognitive development of children.