Sociocultural Theory and the Practice of Teaching Historical Concepts

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511840975.014

12 - Sociocultural Theory and the Practice of Teaching Historical Concepts

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012

Jacques Haenen ,

Hubert Schrijnemakers and

Job Stufkens

Edited by

Alex Kozulin ,

Boris Gindis ,

Vladimir S. Ageyev and

Suzanne M. Miller

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Jacques Haenen: Affiliation:
IVLOS Institute of Education, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Hubert Schrijnemakers: Affiliation:
IVLOS Institute of Education, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Job Stufkens: Affiliation:
IVLOS Institute of Education, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Alex Kozulin: Affiliation:
International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential, Jerusalem
Boris Gindis: Affiliation:
Touro College, New York
Vladimir S. Ageyev: Affiliation:
State University of New York, Buffalo
Suzanne M. Miller: Affiliation:
State University of New York, Buffalo

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Summary

Learning awakens a variety of internal developmental processes that are able to operate only when the child is interacting with people in his environment and in cooperation with peers.

(Vygotsky, 1978, p. 90)

In our teacher education courses, we discuss with the trainee teachers educationally relevant topics from the field of learning theory. One of these topics is the acquisition of historical concepts. Through practical experiences and classroom assignments, the trainee teachers become aware of some of the problems involved in the teaching of concepts. Often, they plan to teach concepts in a straightforward matter-of-fact manner using a transmission model of teaching. As teacher educators, we challenge this idea in order to replace this approach with more effective models. So, with our trainee teachers we discuss how secondary education students can achieve a deeper understanding of concepts. Two basic elements of helping trainee teachers teach for understanding are (1) methods to create powerful learning environments and (2) methods to present the historical subject matter in terms of a meaningful whole.

This approach is influenced by a Vygotskian sociocultural theory of teaching and learning. In this perspective the creation of a learning environment can be conceived of as a shared problem space, inviting the students to participate in a process of negotiation and co-construction of knowledge. Lev Vygotsky, the founder of the sociocultural theory, developed a new framework for conceptualizing these educational dialogues, through which students acquire new modes of handling knowledge and solving problems.

Type: Chapter
Information: Vygotsky's Educational Theory in Cultural Context , pp. 246 - 266

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511840975.014 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2003

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12 - Sociocultural Theory and the Practice of Teaching Historical Concepts

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