Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Post 7
Vygotsky 's theory of cognitive development states that children learn best through interacting with their surroundings. He believed that children's cognitive development could be enhanced if they work in their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development). This is the level of tasks a child cannot yet perform independently, but can succeed in if guided by another individual. When they are guided by another individual it is called guided participation. Vygotsky also believed in scaffolding, where the experienced individual breaks down the task into small steps for the person learning. A good example of this would be a parent helping a child learn to ride a bike. The parent would first start the child out with training wheels. Then once the child got good at that, the parent would probably hold onto the handle bars while the child is riding slowly. The parent would gradually teach the child how to use the brakes,steer, and stay balanced. This would be scaffolding. Eventually the child would be able to ride by themselves without any guidance.
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I agree with Vygotsky's idea of Zone of Proximal Development. Children usually just need a little help, but want to do most of it on their own. Your example about teaching a child to ride a bike was a good example for scaffolding.
ReplyDeleteI liked your example of teaching a child to ride a bike. I think that type of activity does a good job of hitting on several of the elements in Vygotsky's theory.
ReplyDeleteYour example of riding a bike was good for this theory. It is interesting to see how most parents use Vyogtsky's theory when teaching their children new things but they do not even realize they're doing it.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteI really like your example. I often forget that teaching a child how to ride a bike (or other things similar to this) are related to scaffolding and guided participation. I'm sure there are many other examples like this that people (including myself) overlook as scaffolding.
I really like your example. My grandson just went through this stage and it was excited to watch how proud he was of his accomplishment. He is just turning 3 and I see alot of this going on now in his life.
ReplyDeleteUsing the example of riding a bike was a great way to emphasize the scaffolding method that Vygostsky believed so strongly in.
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