Societal Influence on Cognitive Learning - Essay Example

Knowledge is not simply constructed. It happens only when the learner interacts with more knowledgeable individuals or friends in a social situation. Hence all the components of the educational process should be framed in tune with the society’s culture.

According to Vygotsky the “zone of proximal development (ZPD)” (Kozulin et al., 2003, p. 3) is the difference between the ability of a child to solve problems on his or her own and to do so with the help of a teacher or any friend. In other words, ZPD can be construed as the gap between what a child can achieve alone and what he or she can achieve with the help of others. Vygotsky also contends that there will be an increase in the range of skill of an individual when he is under an adult’s guidance. Learning, in a practical context, actually occurs in this zone. The complete development during the ZPD depends upon the social interaction of a child. The more the child takes advantage of an adult’s assistance, or the more interactions happen within its society, the broader becomes the ZPD. Moreover, in his view, ZPD can compose different levels of expertise that the child receives in terms of exposure to a community of teachers and other students. It can also include technological assistance such as computer tools, scientific equipment, books, etc.

Children’s books can be great sources for studying the themes and understanding the world from early childhood itself. Many such books help them in strengthening their abstract thinking concerning their moral development. They come to know about moral values which are helpful in their life as they grow up. Books excite them with new ideas and places besides encouraging them to explore. It also kindles their imagination and helps them to “build confidence” (Cognitive Development, n.d., para. 1). In the 21st century, the influence of modern technologies led to the emergence of the new social network of telecommunication which is helpful for the cognitive development of an individual. New communication technologies like computer and the internet widen the gap of ZPD which help children in accessing information easily, which have not been unavailable for them in the past. Further, computers and the internet help them to get connected to other people to attain more knowledge. For example, “Information and Communication Technology (ICT)” (The Influence of Related Branches, 2003, para. 2) is collaborated with Vygotsky’s theory and is applied to the educational field for improving children’s learning. It helps individuals to know more about the world and they can be in contact with people around the world who may be helpful to them in solving problems.
American scholars accept Vygotsky’s theory and it is interpreted, understood, and developed in the American tradition. Many technologies are helpful for the development of disabled children. For example, Braille technology is used by blind students for their cognitive or personal development. “Braille-using blind or visually impaired child will be able to move freely” (Fraser, n.d., p. 6) as long as they have access to the tools that help them in their life. The computer has become an essential part of education. It has been proved that there is a “possible association between engaging in computer activities and cognitive development” (Computers for Cognitive Development in Early Childhood—The Teacher’s Role in the Computer Learning Environment, 2008, para. 3). There is a high prospect for the cognitive development of the children when they play computer games. Technology and the associated facilities have improved the level of cognitive performance and abstract thinking of children, besides supporting their education.

Thus, tools like computers, the internet, etc can be used to develop the cognitive ability of individuals. Students engage in social learning activities that involve project-based methods. Society’s practical knowledge is imparted in the relation between the practitioner, their practice, and the social organization. According to their theory of Vygotsky, learning should involve knowledge and practice. The social constructivist method includes collaboration with peers, teaching reciprocally and problem-based instruction, anchored instruction, and other methods that promote learning with others. This approach focuses on the relationship between people and their environment. When a person’s mind operates, it works in collaboration with the environment. Read More