Describe a class that Lev Vygotsky would teach. What components would be important in his classroom? What tactics would he use to make learning easier?
What will be an ideal response?
Vygotsky argued that children and adolescents learn best in their zone of proximal development, or in everyday situations when they encounter tasks that are neither too simple nor too advanced, but just slightly more challenging than their abilities permit them to solve on their own. The role of the teacher is to "scaffold," or to help structure the learning situation so that it is within reach of the student. Therefore, Vygotsky would use real-life examples, and he would have students practice what they learn. For example, a class on amphibians might take place at a local pond.
Key Points:
a) Zone of proximal development
b) Role of the teacher is to scaffold.
c) Use real-life examples to have students practice what they learn.