Vygotsky’s legacy in education is enduring and prolific, influencing educational research and scholarship in areas as far ranging child development, language and literacy development, bilingual education, and learning disabilities to name but a few. In this accessible, introductory volume, renowned Vygtosky authority Luis C. Moll presents a summary of Vygtoskian core concepts, constituting a cultural-historical approach to the study of thinking and development. Moll emphasizes what he considers central tenets of Vygotsky’s scholarship --- the sociocultural genesis of human thinking, the consideration of active and dynamic individuals, a developmental approach to studying human thinking, and the power of cultural mediation in understanding and transforming educational practices, broadly considered. After an introduction to Vygotsky’s life, the historical context for his work, and his ideas, Moll provides examples from his educational research inspired by Vygotsky’s work. With both critical scrutiny of current interpretations of Vygotksian theory and clear deference for the theorist known as "The Mozart of Psychology," Moll stresses the many ways Vygotksy’s theory can offer a theory of possibilities for positive pedagogical change.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Situating Vygotsky Historically
Chapter 2: Reading in Two Languages: A Formative Experiment
Chapter 3: Bilingual Subjectivity in the Mediation of Thinking
Chapter 4: Living Knowledge in Practice
Biography
Luis C. Moll is Professor in the Department of Language, Reading and Culture in the College of Education, University of Arizona, USA.
"Vygotsky was an important pioneering Russian psychologist. While he wrote on a variety of topics in psychology, education, philosophy, and science, he is most known for his emphasis on psychology, learning, and thinking as the sociocultural genesis on human thinking and learning. His writings still have a significant impact on psychology and education theory as well as on education praxis. Moll (Univ. of Arizona) is an internationally known scholar on Vygotsky, and this very well-written book is theoretical and practical. Moll's discussion of Vygotsky's theories and applications is lucid and easy to understand. This book is focused on the ideas and practical applications surrounding cultural mediation of thinking and learning and the profound impact that culture (environment) has on psychological development. Vygotsky's theories speak to the issue of diversity today. This excellent book will be of interest to upper-division and graduate students in psychology, educational psychology, curriculum theory, and philosophy as well as to faculty, researchers, and practitioners in those areas.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, research, and professional collections." - W.C. Hine, Eastern Illinois University, in CHOICE, April 2014
