Alejandra Marquez, Karina Araiza, Juan Rosete, Anabel Cervantes, & Dr. Ivona Grzegorczyk
Abstract
We study Lev Vygotsky’s theories of learning and his contribution to education of children that have many fundamental consequences for contemporary mathematics education at various levels. We demonstrate his methodology of the Zone of Proximal Development that supports building new knowledge by extending understanding of concepts already mastered, how it influences modern pedagogy and underlines benefits from certain learning activities in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Vygotsky believed that language is a big influence on cognitive development and problem-solving skills, therefore his methods stress internal language of the learner, communications with others in the student environment and presentations of results/solutions to various audiences. Vygotsky claimed that the interaction between language and thought was essential to shaping an individual’s cognitive abilities, and discussion of the understanding and explanations of various steps of provided solutions are necessary. We provide examples of activities that promote learning of several mathematical concepts in the spirit of Vygotsky’s methodology and support problem solving skills of students.
Details
Session 1
9:30am – 11:00am
Grand Salon
Leave a Reply