A Sociocultural Theory for Language Learning

sociocultural theory and efl

Curtain & Dhalberg (2016)

SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY AND lANGUAGE LEARNING

Lev Vygotsky, Soviet psychologist (1896 – 1934)Since the 1980’s, the sociocultural theory based on the work of Lev Vygotsky has gained increasing attention. This theory deeply contrasts cognitive theories based on computer models of the mind to explain information processing. A major tenet of sociocultural theory is that learning and development of language represent higher mental functions and cannot be reduced to “in the head” models of acquisition. Rather, all higher mental functioning, such as using a language as a cultural meaning-making tool, is the result of external mediation in a social context.

The role of mediation

Mediation refers to the types of assistance and support that a learner requires to enhance performance and concept development. In order to learn, individuals make use of different tools. PHYSICAL TOOLS are those used to act upon the environment, such as textbooks, charts, maps, computers, applications. SYMBOLIC TOOLS are signs, numbers, formulae, symbols and language. They are used to master psychological functions like memory, perception, and attention. Language as a mediating tool is more than mere input. It is a way of supporting learning and facilitating the achievement of higher mental functions. This way, teachers are pushing students to perform beyond what they can do on their own and, in the process, develop conceptual understanding. Mediation, then, is the key concept of the Zone of Proximal Development. CAN COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT BE CONSIDERED A TOOL FOR MEDIATION? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEDIATION AND SCAFFOLDING?

Language as a mediation tool towards cognitive development in the classroom

Beyond exposing learners to language, using language is a way to establish a supportive learning relationship with the student by allowing students to perform beyond what they can do independently and, in the process, develop conceptual understanding of the tasks in which they are engaged. - ask interesting and important questions, - cue students for more information, - provide language supports during interaction - display questions vs genuine questions - translanguaging

Info

Some examples:

Instances of mediation tools may occur when teachers: - ask a leading question to enable a student to think more deeply about a topic. See Susan Lyle’s article on the Mythic Layer and Philosophy for children. -provide a useful language box for learners to use while performing an activity - explain main concepts - support students’ attempts to use new language

Conditions necessary for FLL in the classroom

- Learners need to see and hear the language in action and be able to comprehend what is being said to maintain their interest and motivation to listen to a foreign language. - Embedding new language in a meaningful context and in language students already know is a way to assist learners to comprehend and learn new language. Teachers need to assist students in engaging in extended utterances by prompting them, providing needed lexical items, asking for clarification, checking comprehension, and confirming understanding of what has been said (referred to as the negotiation of meaning in the literature) - Students also need frequent occasions to interact using the new language. Interaction needs to be promoted and supported in various ways. - Classrooms need to be mediation-rich environments where students are offered tools of various kinds to support their learning and development.

References

Curtain, H. y Dhalberg, C. A. (2016). The Learner: Setting the Stage for Language. En: Languages and Learners: Making the Match. World Language Instruction in K-8 Classrooms and Beyond. 5th ed. Cap. 1. U.S.A.: Pearson. Cap. 1.

Wood, D. Bruner, J. and Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problemsolving. Journal of Child Psychology and Child Psychiatry, 17, 89−100.

Woolfolk, A. (2016). Educational Psychology, 13th ed.(chap 2). U.S.A. : Pearson.

Drew, C. Sociocultural Theory in the Classroom [blog] https://helpfulprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Guided-Practice-e1558877077562.jpg?ezimgfmt=rs:744x555/rscb9/ng:webp/ngcb9