Vygotsky, Lev (sociocultural theory)

Lev Vygotsky was a Russian psychologist known for his sociocultural theory, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction in learning. He believed that our understanding of the world is shaped by our culture and community. Vygotsky introduced concepts like the "Zone of Proximal Development," which refers to the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can accomplish with guidance. His work highlights that cognitive development is not just an individual process but is deeply influenced by social contexts, language, and collaborative learning, underscoring the role of culture in shaping the mind.