Lev Vygotsky

A SOVIET BELARUSIAN PSYCHOLOGIST

• Founder of a theory of human culture & biosocial development
• Commonly referred to as Cultural-Historical Psychology
• Main work was in developmental psychology
• Proposed a theory of the development of higher cognitive functions in children
• Saw the emergence of reasoning as emerging through practical activity in a social environment

Born
November 17, 1896
In Orsha, Belarus

Studied Law
At
Moscow State University
In 1913

Took part in the
Second All-Russian Psychoneurological Congress
In January, 1924

Soon after, he received an invitation to become a "research fellow" at the Psychological Institute in Moscow

He moved to Moscow with new wife, Roza Sukhova, and began his career as a "staff scientist".

His popular writings include "The Psychology of Art" and "Pedagogical Psychology"

Vygotsky proposed a learning theory that has gone on to become extremely influential, especially in the field of education

Vygotsky believed that children learn actively through hands-on experience. His theory also suggests that parents, caregivers, peers, & culture were responsible for the development of higher order functions

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Died June 11, 1934 in Moscow from a long battle with Tuberculosis. He was 37.

SOURCES

• http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesmz/p/vygotsky.htm
• http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html
• http://www.toolsofthemind.org/philosophy/vygotskian-approach/