Introducing Vygotsky : A Guide for Practitioners and Students in Early Years Education

ISBN-13: 9780415480550 / Angielski / Twarda / 2009 / 192 str.

Sandra Smidt

Opis

Sandra Smidt takes the reader on a journey through the key concepts of Lev Vygotsky, one of the 20^th century’s most influential theorists in the field of early education. His ground-breaking principles of early learning and teaching are unpicked here using every-day language, and critical links between his fascinating ideas are revealed.

Introducing Vygotsky is an invaluable companion for anyone involved with children in the early years. The introduction of Vygotsky’s key concepts is followed by discussion of the implications of these for teaching and learning. Each chapter also includes a useful glossary of terms.

This accessible text is illustrated throughout with examples drawn from real-life early years settings and the concepts discussed include:

• Mediation and memory,
• Culture and cultural tools,
• Mental functions
• Language, concepts and thinking
• Activity Theory
• Play and meaning

This book is an inspiring reminder that learning is something that happens all the time, through the interactions learners have with more experienced ‘others’ who may be either adults or children.

Essential reading for all those interested in or working with children, Introducing Vygotsky emphasises the social nature of learning and examines the importance of issues such as culture, history, language and symbols in learning.

Recenzje

"The book gives us a timely reminder of the social nature of learning and the importance of issues such as culture, history, language and symbols in learning." --Early Years Update, Issue 84, December 2010.

Spis treści

Selected Contents:  1. Beginnings: Towards a Sociohistorical Appreciation.  2. On Mediation, Memory and Cultural Tools.  3. More on Culture, Context and Tools.  4. On Language, Concepts and Thinking.  5. Learning and Teaching.  6. Activity Theory.  7. On Play and Meaning.  8. On Bridging the Gap: More About the zpd.  9. What we Have Learned: A Summary.  10. Vygotsky’s Children.

O autorze

Sandra Smidt is a writer and consultant in Early Years education.