What are the essential similarities and differences between Piagets and Vygotskys explanations for cognitive development?
Both Piaget and Vygotsky view cognitive development as a stage theory involving active interaction between the individual and their environment. However, Vygotsky elaborates on Piaget in several areas. Vygotsky believes that learning is more socially constructed and contextual than Piaget and that parental and teacher support in preparing tasks and experiences slightly beyond what a student would do on his own, called scaffolding, contribute to increased student competence. Vygotsky also stressed the importance of the relationship between language and thought in improving student thinking, and makes a case for developing strong language skills.
