Developed by the Russian scholar Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934) in the early 20th century, this theory was revolutionary for its time, as it emphasized the crucial role of culture, language, and social interaction in shaping human thought and learning. In contrast to theories that consider the individual as an independent agent. Vygotsky linked learning and mental development with the social and cultural environment of the individual, making this theory the cornerstone for understanding learning as a socio-cultural phenomenon. The main provisions of Vygotsky’s theory are:
1) Cultural mediation: Vygotsky believed that culture provides intellectual tools (such as language, symbols, counting systems, and methods of organizing thought) that help people think in complex ways.
2) Language is the most important symbolic tool used not only for communication, but also for the organization of inner thinking (“inner speech”).