Vygotsky's central ideas

Here are 4 famous quotations by Vygotsky:

• Education must be orientated not towards the yesterday of a child's development, but towards its tomorrow (1987a)

I agree with this – it is saying that education should prepare pupils for the future, teaching them the skills necessary to succeed in modern society. Very similar to the view of White, Trilling and Hood.  We must provide students with modern multi media equipment and formulate a relevant curriculum. We must also use modern day teaching methods which appeal to children today.

• It is through others that we become ourselves (1987a)

I somewhat agree with this. From what I understand from this quote is that we learn from society, teachers, parents and peers. Although I think we as individuals have more control over the person we become and the choices we make.

• What a child can do in co-operation today, he can do alone tomorrow (1986: 188)

This I agree with, children who are apprehensive to the approach of learning learn best collectively in groups and from peers. It also states the importance of team work which is a valuable skill to have in a career.

• Therefore, the only good kind of instruction is that which marches ahead of development, and leads it (1986: 188)

I don’t agree with this. This is stating that the only teaching worthwhile is that which teaches about the present and future and our impact in the future, but it is also important for students to have an understanding of history and the past to know who they are and learn from past progressions which could be applied to the future.