Russian psychologist Lev S. Vygotsky began work on his social development theory in the early 20th century. Today he is most widely known for the concept of the “zone of proximal development” — the space between problems someone can already solve and problems that are still too hard even with help. Within that zone, Vygotsky said, children learn through independent problem-solving guided by a “more knowledgeable other.” This guidance, which he called “scaffolding,” could be direct help (an adult helping a child tie a shoe), guided discussion and exploration, or just the chance to watch peers while they solve a similar problem (jumping rope). Vygotsky believed that learning requires social interaction and the freedom to try solving a problem independently. He also theorized that culture was a profound influence on both what and how children learn, and that pretend play helps children master abstract thinking.
Most Influential Work:
- Originally translated into English in 1962, Thought and Language (Revised and Expanded edition; Cambridge: MIT Press, 2012) is still a foundational text in cognitive science and child development.
