What you'll learn
How social interaction shapes learning and development.
Key ideas
- Vygotsky stressed social interaction and language.
- The zone of proximal development (ZPD) and scaffolding by a more knowledgeable other.
- Social learning: learning by observing and imitating role models, especially when rewarded.
Exam tips
- Contrast Vygotsky's social emphasis with Piaget.
- Explain how scaffolding supports the ZPD.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the ZPD with scaffolding.
- Forgetting the role of reward in imitation.