“Hello, educators!
Let’s discuss James V. Wertsch, a prominent figure in early childhood education in Australia. He has built upon Lev Vygotsky’s ideas, with a focus on ‘mediated action.’
- Mediated Action: Wertsch’s concept of “mediated action” is central to his theoretical framework. He argues that human cognition and action are not isolated processes but are fundamentally mediated by cultural tools and artifacts. These cultural tools include language, symbols, and various forms of external representation.
- Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): Building on Vygotsky’s concept of the ZPD, Wertsch emphasizes that the ZPD is not merely a developmental zone where a learner requires assistance to reach a certain level of competence. Instead, it is a space where cultural tools are used to scaffold learning and facilitate development. These tools help individuals to engage in tasks and activities that they could not accomplish alone
Wertsch emphasises the significance of cultural tools, such as language and symbols, in shaping children’s development and learning. However, it’s not just about the tools themselves; it’s also about the context. Think of it as a child’s learning journey being influenced by the historical and sociocultural environment they’re in, much like a plant’s growth depends on the soil it’s planted in.
Now, here’s where it becomes interesting. Wertsch suggests that children learn effectively when they collaborate. It’s similar to teamwork in sports – they share ideas and solve problems together, and this collaboration is where the real learning takes place.
So, what does this mean for early childhood education in Australia? It’s about creating an optimal learning environment. By effectively using cultural tools and encouraging cooperative learning, educators can facilitate a productive learning experience.
In summary, James V. Wertsch is a valuable resource for understanding how children learn and how to support their learning. His work underscores that it’s not just about providing tools for learning; it’s about creating an environment that nurtures their educational journey, which is building on the ideas of Lev Vygotsky.
Now, let’s delve into some examples of mediated action in early childhood:
- Storytelling: When children tell stories to each other or listen to stories from adults, they use language as a cultural tool to develop their imagination and communication skills. This is an example of mediated action.
- Block Building: When children collaborate to build structures with blocks, they employ the cultural tool of physical objects to enhance their spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. Their joint efforts demonstrate mediated action.
- Group Discussions: In a classroom setting, when children discuss a topic or problem collectively, they use language to mediate their understanding. They share ideas, ask questions, and arrive at solutions through dialogue, illustrating mediated action. As you can imagine, the teacher plays a significant role as a more knowledgeable other (Vygotsky, 1978).
- Art and Drawing: When children engage in artistic activities like drawing or creating art, they use symbols and visual representations to express themselves. This artistic process involves the mediation of their thoughts and emotions through cultural tools. Think about approximation of letters; and culturally meaningful symbols, e.g. Aboriginal Peoples cultural symbols.
These examples highlight how cultural tools and social interaction play pivotal roles in the early learning experiences of children in Australia.”👧🧒📚
What do you think about this theorist and have you heard of these ideas before?
