Resources for unit 3

6.1. Description of Sociocultural theory

This theory is most famously associated with Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934), a Russian psychologist who believed that cognitive development is deeply embedded in the social and cultural contexts in which a person is situated.

The theory emphasizes the role of social environments, cultural practices, and tools (especially language) in shaping how individuals think, learn, and construct knowledge. Sociocultural theory is a framework for understanding how social interaction, culture, and language influence learning and cognitive development. 

According to sociocultural theory, learning is a social process, and cognitive functions develop through interactions with more knowledgeable others, such as teachers, peers, and family members.