Please watch this video before answering the following questions. You may need to adjust the volume of your computer.
Warning: Extreme Puppeteering ahead . . .
- Is all learning a social activity? Are there some things that can be learned independently?
- Is it possible for someone to be able to organize their learning without the help of a More Knowledgeable Other? What about students that are not interested in what the MKO has to offer?
- Would the potential of the Internet as a learning tool have caused Vygotsky to alter his theories? With an increasingly globalized world, would Vygotsky still place the same emphasis on culture in development?
Hello,
Creative puppet video! Great job illustrating how unrealistic it can be when theories are taken too far.
In response to question 1, I do not believe that all learning is a social activity. In science, for instance, most learning occurs through individual observation and experimentation. To use a simple example, if a child goes for a walk in a forest, he or she may notice small waterfall and observe that water is flowing downward. Later, he or she may view a stream that is also flowing downward. As a result of these observations, he or she may conclude that water flows from the highest point to the lowest. Mentally connecting with other things that move in a downward direction, such as an apple falling when dropped, a child may realize the concept of gravity without having ever been specifically taught it.
Also, as discussed in the video, some people are prodigies. Their knowledge may go beyond the abilities of a current expert. That is how new things are discovered!
Lindsay
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for having a look at our site. Great examples – I agree that children are likely to be able to deduce some things without the need for social activity. When I was young I decided to try doing a handstand on my skateboard. All it took was one fall on my head to understand it was a bad idea – no social activity required for that learning!
Andrew
Hi The internet, fit nicely into Vygotsky theories. It not only allows the intermixing of cultures, it creates a social specter that enhances and builds upon social constructivism.
Hi Martin – thanks for having a look at the site. I agree that Vygotsky would have liked the Internet – it’s a pretty good “More Knowledgeable Other”.
I think the intermixing of cultures may have thrown him off a little bit, as he emphasized the role that culture plays in development. Maybe he could research what effect “Internet culture” has on development!
Andrew
Your most expressive puppets explain things so well.
Social learning means lots of time absorbing social context as well as facts – where do I fit, why is this relationship distracting me from the ideas presented in class, what does it mean when the MKO frowns – could it just be gas? who is sitting next to me **now**, and when do I get a chance to read about this and form my own opinion!
Ha, M. Piaget melted Vygotsky.
Hi Catherine – thanks for having a look at our site.
I agree that the social context can often overshadow the ideas presented. Lots of students are more concerned with their place in the social hierarchy than with their comprehension of ideas.
I’ve also found that the influence of peers can reshape a student’s opinion if it doesn’t jibe with the majority.
Andrew
Hi, I love the video! Very creative.
Response to Q.2:
The MKO definitely helps students reach a better understanding and a performance at higher level, but I doubt it is a must. It is important to guide students in the right direction and the MKO plays that role; however, how do students know whose guidance can be trusted? Also the MKO might impede the flexibility and creativity that are also necessary for education. If students are not interested in or not ready to accept what the MKO offers, a different approach would be required, such as, mmm, perhaps giving them the role of MKO for others and see what happens, for example?
Shu
Hi Shu – thanks for checking out the site.
I couldn’t agree more about the MKO potentially impeding flexibility and creativity.
At a staff meeting today we were discussing how important it is to be able to adapt to students’ ways of displaying learning. Without allowing for flexibility or creativity we risk missing valuable learning opportunities and may prevent some students from showing what they have learned.
Andrew
First off I loved the video.. made me literally laugh out loud.
In response to learning being a social activity:
I struggle with this because personally most of my best learning was and is done alone… sorry discussion group members. Although there is a definite benefit to learning in a social environment it is sometimes counter productive. I think that when you push students to engage and discuss they respond out of pressure to perform rather than out of authentic sharing of thoughts and knowledge.
Hi Keith, thanks for having a look at the site.
I agree – I find some of my deepest learning occurs when I’m alone to really ponder what it is I’m seeing/reading. It makes me a little hesitant to insist on group work in my classroom because I know that I often learn better on my own.
Andrew
I don’t now if it is so much an MKO that we need, rather an oracle. A place we can seek understanding when needed. With the understanding of basics, we are able to explore and develop individually and in parallel with others.
I think about my ability to draw. Although I read a lot of comic books and loved art books, I rarely would address them in trying to teach myself to draw. I developed somewhat of my own style. Would someone around who was a better artist than I have helped? Possibly, nut having the opportunity to work on my own was wonderful and something that I looked forward to on a regular basis.
My thoughts are a little all over on this one, but I will say that Vygotsky’s theories do need an update. A 21st Century Vygotskian theory.
Hi Ryan, thanks for the comments.
I think that the Internet has the potential to be the oracle that you describe!
Andrew
Hi Vygotsky Presentation members and fellow ETEC 512 members,
First off, thanks for the hilarious puppet demonstration. I usually detest puppet theater, but your show was informative, engaging, and of course humourous. Although learning can certainly occur independently, it is necessary to have students contribute their thoughts on an online discussion forum. Not everyone may benefit from sychnronous discussion, but students who are auditory learners will benefit from listening to the opinions of others. Furthermore, students who may think they have understood something independently can have their knowledge reinforced through feedback from peers/teacher in the discussion. Finally, in terms of assessing a course online, asynchronous contribution, if corrected properly, can ensure student accountability for completing the readings.
Although it is true that one does not solely learn through social interaction with others, I feel it is a necessary part of learning. Social platforms provide opportunities for the independent learner to demonstrate his/her knowledge, and for others to develop their understanding through interaction.
Claude
Hi Claude, thanks for having a look at the site!
I agree that it’s necessary to have students contribute their thoughts in an online setting – I’ve learned just as much (if not more) from my classmates as I have from the coursework!
Andrew
Great video!! I think that not all learning is social. At times, learning is formed individually without any biases to other opinions. One needs to create their own opinion and understanding before engaging in a social group learning environment. If students do not work independently they will always be relying on others for advice and information. They will never be able to work on tasks by themselves. This is a skill that is very important to learn. Also, it is important to be able to reflect on ones own ideas after working in a group atmosphere. After sharing you ideas with a group, you can learn from the group where you went wrong in forming your answer.
Aimee
Hi Aimee – thanks for visiting our presentation!
Great point about the need for students to learn how to work independently. I’ve run into a few students over the years that couldn’t go ahead on any assignment until they saw what their friends were doing!
Andrew