Liz+and+Denise

AND ANDY

What learning means? What is knowledge and where does it reside Sign vs. tool

Tool - physically used - modifies environment Sign - evokes a phycological reaction - modifies you

From an outside perspective, a tool and a sign appear the same. But in an individual, the tool and the sign are separate.

Example - Math equation Calculator - tool meaningless unless you know how to use it Functions on the calculator are considered signs only when the individual interacts with them Interaction - Mediated activity - solving problem to get answer

The meaning behind the tool is the sign.

Vygotsky - trying to uncoverneed to have

Learning

Mediated activity Memorization is stage one of the first stages of learning. Internalization is the higher level of psychological funtions - need to personalize.

Signs are always there. They are more clearly represented in younger children. As you get older, the signs are not as noticed, behavior becomes more instinctual.

Society Learning - Teacher's job is provide the tools (facts, books, models etc.) as well as guidance and practice and it is up to student to build upon this (internalization). Internalization is a personal journey.

Class discussion: Object of psychological activity - not physical - basically 5X4 Sign - "X" Tool - Calculator Internalize object of activity not the sign and tool.

5 is sign, apples are the tools in the environment Sign and Tool on exist in a particular interaction. 5 is not a sign once it is internalized. It is internalized and become the object of psychological activity. What is the mediated activity??

Enviewed an external object (tool) will meaning makes it a sign. The more this is done, it becomes internalized.

What does this mean for teaching???

Kids are all different, they all have different ZPD, ZPD changes for every task and every context the task is given. Have to have students externalize thinking.