This is an old revision of the document!
Social development theory was introduced in 1920s and 1930s by Lev Vygotsky, father of social constructivism. This theory gives a framework for cognitive development argues that the key role in cognition development lies in social interactions. In his own words,
Vygotsky's initial ideas on education and learning were influenced by Ivan Pavlov and stimulus-response connections, yet these ideas later changed resulting in his social development theory. theory addresses three main themes2):
Motivation for introduction of ZPD lies in observation that children could often accomplish tasks with the help of others that they could not accomplish alone. According to Vygotsky, two children may be at the same level of actual development, but given the appropriate help from an adult, one might be able to solve many more problems than the other. The zone of proximal development is the difference between a child's current level of development and his or her potential level of development, where full cognitive development is achieved through social interaction.
First implication of Vygotsky's theory comes from the emphasized importance of social interaction. In accordance with that, interaction between learners should be encouraged during the educational process, since it will enhance learning. Another effective form of teaching should be scaffolding - providing learner with help when and as much as needed.
Vygotsky's theory was basis for children learning models like tools of the mind or reciprocal listening/reading.
Social Development Theory (Vygotsky) at Learning Theories.
LPR @TCD - Constructivism: Constructivist Theory And Social Development Theory.
Newman, Denis, Peg Griffin, and Cole, Michael. The construction zone: working for cognitive change in school. Cambridge University Press, 1989.
Jacobs, G. and Asokan N. Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Social Development. In: Human Choice, World Academy of Art & Science, USA, 1999.
Vygotsky, L.S. Thought and Language. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 1962.
Vygotsky, L.S. Mind in Society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. 1978.