The Differences between Piaget and Vygotsky’s Theory

Source of cognitive development 

 Piaget believed that the most important source of cognition is the children themselves.  Piaget emphasised the role of an inbuilt (biological) tendency to adapt to the environment, by a process of self-discovery and play. 

 Vygotsky emphasised the role of culture and experience. Vygotsky believed that what drives cognitive development is social interaction – a child’s experience with other people. Culture shapes cognition. 

Language and Thought 

 For Piaget, language is a product of cognitive development. In other words, cognitive development (IV) determines language use (DV). 

 Vygotsky believed that language develops from social interactions, for communication purposes. Later language ability becomes internalised as thought and “inner speech”. Thought is the result of language. 

 In other words, social interactions (IV) determines language use (DV).

Stage Theory 

 Piaget emphasised universal cognitive change. 

 Vygotsky’s theory can be applied to all ages (not a stage theory) and emphasised individual development. 

Discovery Learning (Education) 

 Piaget advocated for discovery learning with little teacher intervention. 

 Vygotsky promoted guided discovery in the classroom with the help of a MKO.