Research Journal Assignment #10b: Argument

Thesis Statement: Lev Vygotsky's theory of developmental education provides a more versatile foundation to be used in schools due to its innovative concepts of the Zone of Proximal Development, Vygotskian play throughout development, and societal impacts on development.

Reason 1: Zone of Proximal Development

Warrant: Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development provides more reason for his theory to be applied over Piaget's because the ZPD allows both for Piaget's idea of intrinsically motivated students and those that need a little aid. With the ZPD students are aided by more competent individuals, not strictly the teacher. The ZPD states that students need to be stretched outside of what their current capabilities are in order to learn the next step. The ZPD stresses continuous growth from point to point.

Reason 2: Vygotskian Paly

Warrant: Through great deals of research it has been discovered that play enhances the learning in children. As stated by Cognitive Development Psychologist Robert Mead, play teaches children how to take on the role of the "generalized other" and aids in socialization and the development of social skills in children. Vygotsky emphasizes that students learn through play for life and not only in the stages that Piaget outlines that play occurs in.

Reason 3: Societal Impacts on Development

Warrant: Education is an essential agent in the socialization of children. Vygotsky emphasized the nurture side of development in children whereas Piaget emphasized a more nature development approach. Piaget posed that development happens in distinct, age appropriate stages that occur in biologically analogous times for every child. Vygotsky however disagreed with Piaget here, Vygotsky believed that children develop in culturally different ways that change from society to society and are not confined by age or stage.

Possible Objections:

1. Piaget's idea of intrinsic motivation can be proved in school like Montesori

Refutation: Although this can be true for some students, it is not uniform and can be idealistic too often.

2. Piaget's emphasizes play just as much as Vygotsky

Refutation: Vygotsky emphasizes play to a much greater extent than Piaget and it is part of the foundation of Vygotsky's theories of development

3. Piaget's stages of development are proven

Refutation: Although Piaget's stages can be proven and tend to work for most children, they are again not uniform in their development and children develop on their own pace. Piaget did not take into account socialization as Vygotsky did, making his theory more relevant.