Social Constructivism Theory
Vygotsky believed that language develops from social interactions, for communication purposes.
Zone of proximal development
Vygotsky developed the idea of the zone of proximal development (ZPD), he defined it as "the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance, or in collaboration with more capable peers" (Vygotsky, 1978). This concept relates to the difference between what a child can achieve independently and what a child can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner e.g. a parent, caregiver, peers or teacher.
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Scaffolding
In line with Vygotsky's zone of proximal development Wood et al. introduced the idea of scaffolding. Wood defined scaffolding as 'Those elements of the task that are initially beyond the learner’s capacity, thus permitting him to concentrate upon and complete only those elements that are within his range of competence'.
When the student that has received the scaffolding and mastered the task, the scaffolding can then be removed and the student will then be able to complete the task again on his own. |
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All of the activities in the Pinterest board can be viewed in a social constructivist view, and can use scaffolding and zone of proximal development in some way to enhance the language development of children.