Lev Vygotsky Vygotsky developed the Cultural-Historical Theory to refer to ‘the interaction of interpersonal (social), cultural-historical and individual factors as the key to human development’ (Schunk, 2004, p. 294). The main theorist who is associated with the cultural-historical theory, also known as the socio-cultural theory is Lev Vygotsky. The key ideas within Vygotsky’s theory are that ‘Social interactions are critical... Self-regulation is developed through internalization.... of actions and mental operations that occur in social interactions. Human development occurs through cultural transmission of tools... Language is the most critical tool... The zone of proximal development’ (Schunk, 2004, p. 295). He also developed the idea that people are born into a moment of time and culture, and that people are born into a culture defined by history.
Zone of Proximal Development‘The zone of proximal development is the gap between what a learner has already mastered (the actual level of development) and what he or she can achieve when provided with educational support (potential development)’ (Coffey). Whilst learning the Bach Cello Suite I experienced the advantages to ZPD. My teacher had progressively taught me the piece section by section, teaching me the bow movement and the figure positions, although through repetition and practise I still could not achieved the desired outcome of a smooth flowing piece. The reason why is because my teacher had not shown or taught me how much weight and force I was to place behind the bow on different sections of the piece. Once this was explained the desired outcome occurred. It is clear that the cultural-historical theory allows teachers to understand students on a deeper level and use appropriate tools to both teach the curriculum but also reinforce values and beliefs appropriate to each student.
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