Chapter 20: Piaget and Vygotsky: Theory and Practice in Early Education

Rheta DeVries

Piaget and Vygotsky: Theory and practice in early education Jean William Fritz Piaget (1896–1980) and Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky (1896–1934) are two giants in psychology and education whose theories of mental development are highly influential. Each pursued research and sought to explain mental development in a way that was more satisfactory than the nondevelopmental associationist or subjectivist theories that held sway earlier. Here, the reader will find highlights of personal histories, a discussion of theoretical similarities and differences, and a comparison of how these theories are currently reflected in American educational practices. The personal histories of Vygotsky and Piaget provide clues to the sources of their ideas—the contexts in which their minds developed. Although contemporaries, Piaget and Vygotsky never met. They did, however, read and comment on each other's early work. It is obvious that Piaget's long life of 84 years gave him the opportunity to develop his research and Vygotsky ...

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