Vygotsky: Une Alternative Psychope dagogique

Abstract

In this essay, the author attempts to underscore some of the most important theoretical positions held by Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist and educator. After briefly sketching the philosophical foundations that inspired most of Vygotsky 's works, the author discusses some of the major psychological theories of Vygotsky that seem to have relevance to many of today 's educational questions. The theoretical formulations presented in this essay concerned the following: cognitive development, development of scientific and spontaneous concepts, the zone of proximal development and the relationship between language and thought. When appropriate, comparisons with Piaget were made and educational implications were underlined.