PSY FPX 7411 Assessment 4 Theory Comparison

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 7411 Learning Theories in Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Abstract

Not everyone learns in the same way; understanding this is essential for helping individuals reach their full learning potential. Recognizing the complexity of learning contributes to creating a healthy and safe environment for all. This understanding and empathy can motivate students to engage in learning and achieve their maximum potential, ultimately producing individuals who can positively impact society with their knowledge and skills. An individual’s environment significantly influences their intellectual development, a concept highlighted by Lev Vygotsky in his Sociocultural Theory (SCT) of 1934.

Schools for Underserved Children in Puerto Rico

As someone from Puerto Rico, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children in underserved communities. Many of these children fall through the cracks and fail to reach their full potential due to a lack of resources. If I had unlimited time and financial resources, I would be eager to learn how to establish schools for these underserved children, starting with the youngest and gradually expanding through various grade levels. These schools would be staffed by individuals dedicated to understanding how their students learn and who are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their success. I envision these schools focusing on long-term child-centered play therapy (CCPT), a therapeutic approach that emphasizes confidence and healthy growth through play. Having conducted extensive research on this form of therapy and observed its success rates, I believe it would be a highly effective educational intervention for at-risk children. Moreover, this therapy has been shown to facilitate self-directed healing through independence and expression of personal realities in safe and supportive therapy sessions (Blanco, Holliman, Ceballos, & Farnam, 2019).

Lev Vygotsky’s 1934 Sociocultural Theory

To effectively realize my goal of opening schools for underserved children in Puerto Rico, I must thoroughly understand the cultural, social, and socioeconomic factors affecting the communities I aim to serve. The Sociocultural Theory of Learning (SCT) is particularly relevant to my situation. Developed by Lev Vygotsky in 1934, this theory emphasizes the significance of social and cultural exposure in the learning process. Vygotsky posited that human thinking is influenced by the tools available to individuals for learning and cognition (Rogoff & Morelli, 1989). SCT aligns with my passion for learning and experiencing diverse cultures firsthand, especially since much has changed in Puerto Rico since I last lived there. Immersing myself in the challenges faced by at-risk students is far more impactful than merely reading about them. SCT would encourage me to visit these communities and assess the situation firsthand, allowing me to engage with parents and teachers who work with these children. This engagement would provide valuable insights into what these students need to succeed and what resources they can manage without.

Utilizing SCT will enhance my understanding of how students learn, including identifying the most effective learning channels for students from specific backgrounds. For instance, do these students learn best through a visual-auditory approach, where they see questions and respond verbally? Or do they excel in an auditory format, where they hear questions and respond from memory (Nam & Spruill, 2005)? Additionally, I would gain a clearer understanding of how many children require assistance, which is crucial for determining staffing needs, school size, and financial requirements. The information I gather will guide me in creating schools tailored to the specific needs of the community. This customization is vital, as learning strategies that work in one area may not be effective in another. To truly make a difference, I must adapt the schools to meet the unique needs of the local population.

Ari and Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory

Lev Vygotsky asserted that exposure to diverse environments, cultures, and individuals is essential for developing well-rounded individuals. Learning occurs in various settings and forms; for example, Ari has utilized SCT as a learning framework due to his experiences with video games (Dongyu, Fanyu, & Wanyi, 2013).

Ari’s Confidence and Community Engagement

Ari envisions a world where he feels confident, popular, and comfortable—emotions that are absent in his real life. While he thrives in the online community, he struggles academically due to feelings of alienation. His newfound interest in sports presents an excellent opportunity to apply Vygotsky’s theory in a real-world context. Engaging in sports would allow him to interact face-to-face with peers, fostering self-discovery and social connections. This exposure could alleviate his feelings of being an outcast, positively impacting his academic performance. Ari is already learning through Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory (SCT) by connecting with individuals from around the globe; applying SCT in real life would enhance his learning experiences and boost his self-confidence. By immersing himself in his community, Ari would benefit more than he does in the digital realm, as he would develop a sense of belonging and internalize the cultural activities around him. This connection would further solidify his place within the community (Myers-Walls & Lewsader, 2015).

Critique of Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory posits that learning involves bridging the gap between an individual’s mental functions and societal norms. He emphasized the importance of what individuals contribute to and gain from their activities, suggesting that learning occurs in various contexts (Dongyu, Fanyu, & Wanyi, 2013). I believe this theory aligns well with both my and Ari’s experiences. I thrive on learning from diverse cultures, personal experiences, and varying norms. Traveling and gaining insights from different perspectives enriches my understanding. Therefore, exploring the needs of underserved communities regarding education would be both a rewarding and enlightening journey for me.

Ari is already engaged in a different realm—the cyber world—where he learns from a global audience and excels. He simply needs to translate that experience into his real life, which I believe he will embrace once he takes the first step. However, this method of learning is not universally applicable. While Ari and I are fortunate to seek growth and understanding, others may not have access to safe and supportive learning environments. Negative surroundings can hinder learning and potentially cause more harm than good. Although I appreciate Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and its effectiveness for many, it is crucial to recognize that it may not be suitable for everyone. Each situation must be carefully assessed to avoid exacerbating existing challenges.

Conclusion

Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory facilitates individual learning about their environment and culture, benefiting both Ari and me. I would gain insights into the needs of underserved communities in Puerto Rico, which would assist me in establishing schools for children in those areas. Meanwhile, Ari would learn to navigate the real world, enhancing his ability to connect beyond the online sphere where he currently finds popularity. While everyone learns differently, SCT is inclusive when applied to the right individuals, as learning occurs through various environments. This approach not only fosters self-awareness but also strengthens a sense of belonging within the community.

References

Blanco, A., Holliman, A. J., Ceballos, P., & Farnam, A. (2019). The effectiveness of child-centered play therapy: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Play Therapy, 28(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000090

Dongyu, Z., Fanyu, L., & Wanyi, Z. (2013). The impact of video games on learning: A sociocultural perspective. Journal of Educational Psychology, 105(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031234

Nam, J., & Spruill, J. (2005). Learning channels and their impact on student performance. Educational Psychology Review, 17(3), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-005-3940-0