Vygotsky's Social Theory

Vygotsky's Social Theory emphasizes that children's development is strongly influenced by social interactions and cultural context. He believed learning occurs through guided engagement with more knowledgeable others, such as teachers or peers, within a zone called the "Zone of Proximal Development"—the range of tasks a child can do with support but not alone. Through language and collaboration, children internalize skills and knowledge, shaping their cognitive growth. Essentially, Vygotsky viewed social interactions as fundamental to learning, with culture and language serving as key tools in mental development.