The Social Development Theory argues that social interaction precedes development and causes cognitive development. It was developed by Lev Vygotsky, who stated that learning occurs in the Zone of Proximal Development, with guidance from a More Knowledgeable Other such as a teacher. According to the theory, teachers should first have students work collaboratively to learn a new concept before working independently, mimicking the social-then-individual process of development.

1. Social development theoryJennifer S.

2. SDT Diagram

3. Key factsThe Social Development Theory argues social interaction comes before development.SDT also says socialization causes thought and consciousness. The More Knowledgeable Other is any person who has a better grasp of a concept than the learner of said concept. MKO is usually a teacher or an adult. However, the person may be any age and could also be a computer.The Zone of Proximal Development is the distance between a student’s ability with guidance or assistance and the student’s ability to complete a task independently. Vygotsky, the SDT theorist said learning occurred in this zone.

4. Lev Vygotsky

5. The TheoristLev Vygotsky (1896-1934) is a Russian psychologist who theorized the Social Development Theory.His work was known primarily in the West until it was published in 1962.He stated: “Every function in the child’s cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological).”

6. The teacher and the theoryWith the SDT in mind the teacher would probably instigate group projects upon the students first learning a concept. Second, the teacher would assign another project, this time individual, to enforce the idea and hopefully cause a deeper understanding. With technology this might mean completing a PowerPoint presentation in a group, and then by oneself.

7. The students and the theoryAfter being introduced to a new topic, the students may be confused. The initial group project would give them the ability to collaborate with one another.Then, equip with a better understanding, the student should be able to complete a task independently. With technology in mind, the student would be able to figure out the basic process with the help of others, possibly via chat, and then complete most tasks independently.

8. In my classroomIn most situations, the mere able to collaborate ideas can reinforce learning to a greater extent than a lecture ever could.Then being forced to work alone “tests” the students ability to carry on their new skills to their own personal knowledge.This would almost eradicate the need for tests.

9. Works citedhttp://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.scss.tcd.ie/disciplines/information_systems/crite/crite_web/lpr/imgs/zone.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.scss.tcd.ie/disciplines/information_systems/crite/crite_web/lpr/teaching/constructivism.html&usg=__A6BRXKEbViq5MOg97amJUxmk-BU=&h=330&w=535&sz=5&hl=en&start=1&itbs=1&tbnid=0ea1RVocQPp_RM:&tbnh=81&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsocial%2Bdevelopment%2Btheory%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1http://www.learning-theories.com/vygotskys-social-learning-theory.htmlhttp://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.phillwebb.net/topics/Human/Vygotsky/Vygotsky4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.phillwebb.net/topics/Human/Vygotsky/Vygotsky.htm&usg=__MDvVuRr2ss54rVnCEt9iN5Qen6U=&h=1077&w=780&sz=556&hl=en&start=8&itbs=1&tbnid=aFbO16p1ugy3-M:&tbnh=150&tbnw=109&prev=/images%3Fq%3DLev%2BVygotsky%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1