Sociocultural theory and concept-based language instruction

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
James P. Lantolf ◽  
Jiao Xi ◽  
Valeriya Minakova

In the initial sociocultural theory (SCT) timeline, Lantolf and Beckett (2009) surveyed a broad spectrum of research informed by sociocultural psychology as it was extended into the field of second language acquisition and language teaching. Since that time, the amount of research that has been published within the SCT framework has grown exponentially. With regard to the educational setting, two major strands of research have emerged; one that addresses pedagogical practice and the other that deals with assessment. The assessment strand, Dynamic Assessment, adheres to principles that emerge from the SCT concept of the Zone of Proximal Development and is the topic of a separate timeline (see Poehner & Wang, forthcoming). The pedagogical strand, the topic of the present article, is generally referred to as Concept-based Language Instruction (C-BLI), although in some publications the rubric Concept-based Instruction (CBI) is used. Unfortunately, the abbreviation of the alternative rubric has on more than one occasion been confused with content-based instruction, also abbreviated as CBI. We would like to suggest here that it would be better if SCT researchers were to adopt C-BLI to avoid misinterpretations going forward.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 108-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
James P. Lantolf ◽  
Aneta Pavlenko

Although the sociocultural theory (henceforth SCT) of mental activity, rooted in the work of L. S. Vygotsky and his colleagues, has certainly come to the fore in developmental and educational research (cf. Forman, et al. 1993, Lave and Wenger 1991, Moll 1990, Newman, et al. 1989), it is still very much the “new kid on the block” as far as SLA research is concerned. Recently, however, SCT has begun to enjoy increased attention among L2 researchers, as is amply attested in the bibliography of this paper. This research has focused on three general areas: activity theory and the relevance of motives and goals for L2 learning; the role of private speech in L2 learning; and learning in the zone of proximal development. These areas serve as the organizing basis for the survey that follows. The overview begins, however, with a brief, but necessary, overview of the theory itself.


FORUM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-230
Author(s):  
Mahboubeh Shorofi ◽  
Mohammad Saleh Sanatifar ◽  
Mansoor Tavakoli

Abstract For training translators in academic settings, the notion of translation bilingual sub-competence is fundamental. However, little research has addressed the practical methods for developing the trainees’ translation bilingual sub-competence. The present study investigated the impact of Group Dynamic Assessment on trainees’ translation bilingual sub-competence development and the ways it helps them develop their bilingual sub-competence. Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and PACTE translation competence model served as the theoretical framework for the study. Methodologically, a mixed-methods study was designed. For the quantitative phase, a semi-experimental method, and for the qualitative phase, interviews were administered. The results confirmed that implementing a Group Dynamic Assessment developed the trainees’ translation bilingual sub-competence. The findings of the study can be used in professional development and in-service courses for the academic staff and could pave the way for further empirical research in translation pedagogy.


Author(s):  
Mahnaz Azad

ABSTRACT Dynamic Assessment (DA) illustrates classroom interactions in which teaching and assessment must be integrated as a single activity seeking to identify learner abilities by actively supporting their ongoing developmental process. DA is based on the Vygotskian notion of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) which captures the uniquely human potential to exceed our present capabilities by working in cooperation with others. Moreover, with prevalence of multimedia language learning materials in foreign/ second language classrooms, their design is an important avenue of research in computer assisted language learning. This chapter will present an in-depth analysis of DA's application to particular problems of L2 development. It includes detailed discussions of the core DA theoretical tenets as well as implementing multi-media based DA principles in L2 classrooms. The information can be beneficial for language teacher educators, language testers, students and researchers in the areas of SLA, language pedagogy, and assessment.


2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Poehner

First introduced to the West by Vygotsky’s colleague, Luria (1961), the zone of proximal development (ZPD) has inspired an approach to evaluating learning potential known as dynamic assessment (DA). However, Vygotsky (1986) also conceived of the ZPD as a guiding principle for teaching to optimally affect learner development, a notion that has been enthusiastically researched in education. The field of applied linguistics takes as its point of departure a dialectical reading of Vygotsky, understanding assessment of the ZPD and teaching in the ZPD to be a unified process. To date, this work has focused on classroom contexts where the provision of mediation during teacher–learner interactions may simultaneously illuminate learner abilities and promote development. Examples are presented involving learners of French. D’abord introduite à l’Ouest par un collègue de Vygotsky, Luria (1961), la Zone Proximale de Développement (ZPD) a inspiré une approche visant à évaluer le potentiel d’apprentissage connue sous le nom d’Évaluation Dynamique (DA). Pourtant, Vygotsky (1986) concevait aussi la ZPD comme un principe capable de guider un enseignement visant à influencer de manière optimale le développement de l’élève, une notion qui a été explorée avec enthousiasme dans le domaine de l’éducation. Le champ de la linguistique appliquée prend comme point de départ une lecture dialectique de Vygotsky, comprenant l’évaluation de la ZPD et l’enseignement dans la ZPD dans un même processus. Jusqu’au présent, ce travail s’est centré sur les contextes de classe où l’offre de médiation au cours des interactions enseignant-élè ve peut simultanément éclairer des capacités de l’élève et promouvoir leur développement. Les exemples présentés concernent des élèves qui apprennent le français langue seconde. Zunächst von Vygotskys Kollegen Luria (1961) in der westlichen Welt vorgestellt, hat die Zone der proximalen Entwicklung (ZPE) einen Ansatz zur Untersuchung des Lernpotentials inspiriert, der als dynamische Diagnostik (Dynamic Assessment, DA) bekannt geworden ist. Vygotsky (1986) hat jedoch die ZPE auch als Leitprinzip für ein Lehren konzipiert, das optimalen Einfluss auf die Entwicklung des Lerners haben soll, eine Idee, die enthusiastisch im pädagogischen Feld untersucht wurde. Der Bereich der angewandten Linguistik nimmt als ihren Ausgangspunkt eine dialektische Auslegung von Vygotsky, bei dem die Erfassung der ZPE und das Unterrichten in dieser Zone als einheitlicher Prozess aufgefasst werden. Derzeit fokussiert diese Arbeit auf Klassenraumkontexten, wo die Bereitstellung von Mediation während Lehrer-Lerner-Interaktionen in simultaner Weise die Fähigkeiten der Lerner aufhellen kann und gleichzeitig Entwicklung fördert. Beispiele von Schülern aus dem Fremdsprachenunterricht werden vorstellt. La Zona de Desarrollo Próxima, introducida primeramente en occidente por Luria (1961), que fue discípulo de Vygotsky, ha inspirado un enfoque para evaluar el potencial de aprendizaje, entendido como una Evaluación Dinámica. Sin embargo, Vygotsky (1986) concibió la Zona de Desarrollo Próxima como una guía para la enseñanza y para optimizar el impacto del desarrollo del aprendiz, una noción que ha sido investigada de forma enfática en educación. El campo de la lingüística aplicada toma como punto de partida una lectura dialéctica de Vygotsky, una evaluación comprensiva de la Zona de Desarrollo Próxima y una enseñanza en dicha Zona para convertirlo en un proceso unificado. Este trabajo se ha focalizado en el contexto del aula, donde la provisión de la mediación se ha producido durante las interacciones entre el profesor y los estudiantes, lo cual permite iluminar simultáneamente las habilidades de los estudiantes e incrementar su desarrollo. Se presentan ejemplos relativos a estudiantes de Francés. La Zona di Sviluppo Prossimale (ZPD), sin dalla sua prima presentazione in Occidente da parte di Luria (1961) collega di Vygotsky, ha ispirato l’approccio di valutazione del potenziale di apprendimento noto come Valutazione Dinamica (DA). Tuttavia Vygotsky (1986) aveva anche concepito la ZPD come un principio guida per un insegnamento che abbia un impatto ottimale sullo sviluppo dello studente, una idea che è stata oggetto di ricerche entusiastiche in educazione. Il campo della linguistica applicata considera come punto di partenza una lettura dialettica di Vygotsky, intendendo la valutazione della ZPD e l’insegnamento nella ZPD come un processo unificato. Finora questo lavoro si è focalizzato sui contesti di classe, in cui la mediazione durante le interazioni docente-studente pu ò nello stesso tempo mettere in luce le abilit à dello studente e promuovere lo sviluppo. Vengono presentati esempi che coinvolgono studenti francesi.


2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Thomas

Three recent books take up different positions in the on-going debate about how, and out of what, to construct a theory of second language (L2) acquisition. Johnson (2004) advocates a ‘dialogically based approach’, inspired by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Bakhtin’s ‘dialogized heteroglossia’, with which she would replace what she views as a prevailing ‘cognitive bias’ in the field. Block (2003) similarly supports a ‘more interdisciplinary and socially informed orientation’ to second language acquisition. But Block wants to reform rather than replace certain assumptions of what he represents as the best existing theory of second language acquisition, namely, Susan Gass’ Input-Interaction-Output model (IIO model). Jordan (2004), on the other hand, argues forcefully that theorizing about second language acquisition must be based on a rationalist epistemology. He provides a set of ‘Guidelines’ for theory construction, including six assumptions foundational to rationalist inquiry in general, and a five-point evaluation metric against which rival theories can be judged. He also passes on a list of six ‘practices to be avoided’. Jordan encourages the cultivation of many, varied, theories so long as they observe the rationalist Guidelines. He goes on to criticize a broad sample of L2 research, commenting on whether specific proposals do or do not adhere to the Guidelines. This article reviews all three scholars’ positions in this important debate, which has the potential to sharpen second language theorists’ sense of what they are doing and how they should do it.


2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-50
Author(s):  
Li Jin

This paper explains how sociocultural theory (SCT), particularly its threekey concepts: mediation, zone of proximal development, and agency, canbe used to guide the course design of college-level 1st-year MandarinChinese hybrid courses. Specific examples are illustrated to demonstratehow three aspects of the hybrid course design: 1) learning materials andtasks, 2) teacher-student and student-student interaction, and 3)assessments, are guided from a SCT perspective. The feedback fromstudents enrolled in a college-level hybrid Mandarin Chinese coursesequence is also provided.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samran Daneshfar ◽  
Mehdi Moharami

Language assessment is the significant component of foreign language learning/ teaching. An aim of language assessment is to find about how much the process of education improves learners’ knowledge of the target language. One alternative to standardized testing, Dynamic Assessment derived from Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory offers a new insight into the field of assessment through integrating instruction and assessment. Dynamic assessment is a method of conducting a language testing to investigate and highlight the individual learner's possessed skills and potential development. The present study is going to display an overview of the importance of dynamic assessment in L2 learning, emphasizing the origins and principal concepts involved in the process. The study highlights the derivation of dynamic assessment from Vygotsky’s prominent sociocultural theory. Then it brings about an introduction to zone of proximal development the concept of which learner's cognitive development results through the application of dynamic assessment. Later the study discusses dynamic assessment in detail and introduces its differences with the traditional testing formats as well as introducing forms of dynamic assessment.


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