Vygotsky, Lev

Lev Vygotsky was a Russian psychologist known for emphasizing the importance of social interactions and cultural context in learning and development. He believed that children learn best through guided interactions with more knowledgeable others, such as teachers or peers, which help them acquire new skills within a “zone of proximal development”—the gap between what they can do alone and what they can achieve with guidance. Vygotsky's ideas highlight that cognitive growth is fundamentally social, shaped by language, culture, and collaborative experiences. His work underscores the importance of supportive learning environments that foster development through social engagement.