Epistemology: Constructivism: Social Constructivism

Social Constructivism

• Overview:  Lev Vygotsky's theories about the mediation of language and thought by society are the basis for his work in the field of developmental psychology. His developmental research forms the basis of social constructivism.
  
  Vygotsky maintains an anti-realist position that learning is not based on direct interaction with a singular reality. Instead, the process of knowing involves agreement and interaction with other individuals. Social constructivism emphasizes the influences of cultural and social contexts in learning.
  
  Vygotsky categorizes three levels of problem solving tasks: (a) those performed independently by the student; (b) those that cannot be performed even with help; and (c) those that fall between the two extremes, the tasks that can be performed with help from others. These categorizations set the stage for the development of appropriate tasks and skills for learners. 
  
  Furthermore, Vygotsky's findings suggest learning environments should involve guided interaction, permitting learners to reflect on inconsistency and to change their conceptions through speech and communication. A discovery model of learning is also encouraged, which places the teacher in an active role while the students' mental abilities develop naturally through various paths of discovery.
  
  More...............................  Social Constructivism