CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR S.C. TEACHER CADET COURSE | EXPERIENCING EDUCATION, TENTH EDITION
The Importance of Language: Introducing Vygotsky
Theme I: Experiencing Learning
Unit 3: Growth and Development
*Mandatory lesson
Objective: Students will be able to identify developmental characteristics of language and
social cognition in the transference of knowledge and culture.
Essential Question: How dependent are we on language? To what degree does
language influence culture and vice versa?
Activities:
Option 1:
1. Assign each group of 3 or 4 students a type of development. That group will teach
the important information regarding this development after researching the topic.
Students can use some of the suggested activities listed below in option 3 or come up
with their own lesson.
Option 2:
1. Introduce the different teaching methodologies as you present each of the different
developmental theories. For example, use a lecture to teach physical development,
use cooperative learning to teach cognitive development, use technology to teach moral
development, etc.
Option 3
1. Instruct the students that they will be completing an activity today, but they will not be
allowed to speak or write in order to communicate with their partner. Pair students and
distribute each pair a set of materials. Instruct the pairs that they are to build a
structure with the materials given. They are to use everything they are given (e.g.
straws, paper, paper clips, tape, wooden sticks, clay). They may not speak or write to
their partner. Give each pair 15 minutes to complete their structures. After the groups
have finished, present each structure to the class, and have the pair explain what it is.
2. Discuss with the students any difficulties they had with the project. Then discuss with
the students the importance of language in teaching, cooperating, and working with
people. Ask the students to brainstorm ways to teach without using verbal or written
communication.
3. Distribute the handout “Social Cognitive Development: Lev Vygotsky” or use the video
clip, and provide a mini-lecture on the content.
4. Follow up the discussion of Vyotsky’s theory with this activity to appreciate the
importance of language in the conveyance of culture and learning.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Write a descriptive paragraph on the scariest monster you can imagine.
Exchange your descriptive paragraph with another student.
Draw the monster using only the words on the page.
Share the pictures, and ask the students who wrote the description to read the
paragraph.
e) Discuss with the class what was easy or difficult about the assignment.
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