Piaget vs. Vygotsky

Lev Vygotsky - was a Soviet psychologist, he is the founder of cultural-historicl psychology, and the leader of the Vygotsky Circle.

Vygotsky assumed that learning is rooted in a developmental process, and that learning is not a snapshot but rather  like a movie, it is a on going process from day to day. He also assumed that cognitive skills are processed through language and the better language skills that one has, the rich the cognitive skills they will have as well. Vygotsky also stressed the importance of social relationships and culture. 

He believed in the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)- which means that it is the role of the teacher to challenge the students. A Level of personal achievement that takes us beyond what we already know and where guidance is needed.  His theory is also based around scaffolding which means to provide guidance and support as a teacher to the students, to literally build support under a student to help them build and grow.  Some examples of scaffolding are- asking questions, direct teaching and guided practise. 

After learning about both Piaget and Vygotsky, I think I side more with Piaget and his levels of the developing child. I believe with him because many of what he says about the different thinking processes at different levels will help me teach my students in the future.  Also because many of his points like collaborative learning, is now days incorporated in elementary math and science. Having said this I also believe in what Vygotsky says about the importance of social interactions, because younger kids need that interaction and support from others.