How to use theory in a learning experience:
In a learning experience, Vygotsky’s theory can be implemented through various classes that students take such as political science, geography, history and journalism to name a few. It is the responsibility of the instructor to embed in his or her lesson peer or small group instruction which would include collaboration, so Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism and zone of proximal development can be implemented. The teacher’s main focus is for the students to develop a stronger knowledge of the content presented through social interaction among peers.
For example, a English teacher who is teaching journalism could create an unit on the next journey to space. The teacher would first determine what the students already know about NASA, the first journey to space, and who the individuals were involved during that journey. Once, the teacher has established what the students prior knowledge he or she can put the students into groups. Once in the groups the students would be required to publish a newsletter with scanned photographs, excerpts from the press and charts about a recent journey to space. Then the students will be able to share out among their peers in the journalism class. Vygotsky’s theory allowed students to engage in social constructivism through their small group and the development of information about space.
This last Youtube clip shows how Vygotsky's theory is implemented in a classroom and how if it is not followed the outcome:
Resource link: http://youtu.be/I9CnZoFUlT0
In a learning experience, Vygotsky’s theory can be implemented through various classes that students take such as political science, geography, history and journalism to name a few. It is the responsibility of the instructor to embed in his or her lesson peer or small group instruction which would include collaboration, so Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism and zone of proximal development can be implemented. The teacher’s main focus is for the students to develop a stronger knowledge of the content presented through social interaction among peers.
For example, a English teacher who is teaching journalism could create an unit on the next journey to space. The teacher would first determine what the students already know about NASA, the first journey to space, and who the individuals were involved during that journey. Once, the teacher has established what the students prior knowledge he or she can put the students into groups. Once in the groups the students would be required to publish a newsletter with scanned photographs, excerpts from the press and charts about a recent journey to space. Then the students will be able to share out among their peers in the journalism class. Vygotsky’s theory allowed students to engage in social constructivism through their small group and the development of information about space.
This last Youtube clip shows how Vygotsky's theory is implemented in a classroom and how if it is not followed the outcome:
Resource link: http://youtu.be/I9CnZoFUlT0
