Vygotsky's Social Interactionist Theory

Vygotsky's Social Interactionist Theory emphasizes that learning and cognitive development primarily occur through social interactions with others. He believed that children develop higher-level thinking skills by engaging with more knowledgeable individuals, such as parents, teachers, or peers. These interactions help children internalize language, problem-solving strategies, and understanding of the world. Vygotsky introduced the idea of the "Zone of Proximal Development," which is the difference between what a child can do alone and what they can achieve with help. Overall, our social environment and communication are key to cognitive growth.