Resources for unit 3

4.2. Key features of social constructivism

• Social interaction: Learning is viewed as a process that is deeply rooted in social interaction, where dialogue and communication with others (teachers, peers, etc.) help learners build and refine their understanding.
• Cultural context: The cultural background of learners is important in shaping how they understand and interpret the world. Knowledge is viewed as co-constructed through shared experiences.
• Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): A key concept in social constructivism developed, which refers to the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance from a more knowledgeable other, such as a teacher or peer. Learning is most effective when support, often referred to as scaffolding, is provided within this zone and gradually withdrawn as the learner gains competence. Social constructivism emphasizes that learners can achieve higher levels of understanding with the help of more knowledgeable others (teachers, peers).
• Scaffolding: The idea that learners are provided with temporary support from more knowledgeable individuals to help them reach higher levels of understanding, which is gradually removed as learners gain competence.