Vygotsky''s Educational Theory in Cultural Context

This 2003 book presents innovative ideas in the field of educational psychology, learning, and instruction. These ideas were first formulated by Russian psychologist and educator Lev Vygotsky. This volume provides coverage of all main concepts of Vygotsky's sociocultural theory and emphasizes its importance for the understanding of child development.

This 2003 book comprehensively covers all major topics of Vygotskian educational theory and its classroom applications. Particular attention is paid to the Vygotskian idea of child development as a consequence rather than premise of learning experiences. Such a reversal allows for new interpretations of the relationships between cognitive development and education at different junctions of the human life span. It also opens new perspectives on atypical development, learning disabilities, and assessment of children's learning potential. Classroom applications of Vygotskian theory are discussed in the book. Teacher training and the changing role of a teacher in a sociocultural classroom is discussed in addition to the issues of teaching and learning activities and peer interactions. Relevant research findings from the US, Western Europe, and Russia are brought together to clarify the possible new applications of Vygotskian ideas in different disciplinary areas.