Vygotsky and the ESL Classroom

Paper Summary:

The paper explores how Lev Vygotsky's 'zone of proximal development' might be best utilized in the provision of instruction and learning in the classroom. The paper explains that Vygotsky's proposed 'zone of proximal development' is a learning theory based on the social aspect of learning. The paper shows that Vygotsky's 'zone of proximal development' is relevant in the ESL elementary classroom; cooperative learning provides a fertile learning ground for ESL students in language acquisition, due to the frequent and collaborative use of the language in a setting that is non-threatening and non-demanding. The paper provides case study literature that relates the success of these methods, particularly in the ESL classroom.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Stated as effective strategies to access the zone of proximal development are the strategies of: (1) scaffolding; and (2) reciprocal teaching. (Riddle) First the interest of the student must be engaged by the teacher and tasks must be simplified so as to be manageable. The students must be motivated in order to pursue the goal of instruction and the teacher must "look for discrepancies between students' efforts and the solution, control for frustration and risk, and model an idealized version of the act."(Hausfather, 1996; as cited by Riddle, nd) The development of a dialogue between the teacher and students is possible in 'reciprocal teaching'. Through the interactive instructional strategy of communication between the student and teachers the students are provided support and encouragement to reach beyond merely answering questions and to become engaged in the discourse in the classroom."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Driscoll, Marcy P. (1994). Psychology of Learning for Instruction. Needham, Ma: Allyn && Bacon.
• Crawford, Kathryn. (1996) Vygotskian approaches to human development in the information era. Educational Studies in Mathematics. (31) 43-62.
• Hausfather, Samuel J., (1996) Vygotsky and Schooling: Creating a Social Contest for learning. Action in Teacher Education. (18) 1-10.
• Saettler, P. (1990). The Evolution of American Educational Technology. Egnlewood, Co: Libraries Unlimited.
• Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind and society: The development of higher mental processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

More papers on Vygotsky and the ESL Classroom:

• Analytical Essay # 132981 : "Vygotsky and the Memory of Infants"
• Research Paper # 52587 : "Guided Reading and the SPED Classroom"
• Research Paper # 59183 : "Multi-Level Classrooms"

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