How does Vygotsky’s Theory Suggest that Children’s Cognitive Development can be Nurtured?

Back to: Learning and Teaching – Unit 2

Introduction

According to Vygotsky’s cognitive development theory, cognitive abilities are gained through social guidance and construction. The development and formation of abilities like memory, learning, problem solving, and attention take place through the role of culture as a mediator. His approach to child development can be considered as a social constructivism form. He believes that social interactions produce cognitive functions.

Ways of Nurturing

He suggests that children’s cognitive development can be nurtured in the following manner:

Learning should be Child-Centered

Vygotsky’s cognitive development focuses on child centered learning in the classroom.

Learners should be active

In the classroom application of Vygotsky’s cognitive theory, learners play an active role instead of a passive one.

Social interactions are important

Vygotsky’s theory believes that cognitive functions are facilitated by social interactions due to which learners need to engage in the same.

Learning by discovery should be present

Vygotsky’s cognitive development theory also focuses on learning by discovery and exploration.

Focus should be on knowledge improvement

Vygotsky’s cognitive development theory enables learners to gain skills such as problem solving, inquiry, self determination, and critical thinking.

Challenging tasks must be included

Vygotsky’s theory also believes in the provision of challenging group tasks that are cooperative and collaborative.

Development of Learners must be fostered

Teachers must focus on all the round development of learners. Instructional methods should be such that it is comprehensible to learners and fosters their growth and development.

Conclusion

Vygotsky’s theory puts emphasis on social interactions for new knowledge and behavior to be learned.