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The Cultural Mind

The Cultural Mind

The Cultural Mind

The Sociocultural Theory of Learning
Alex Kozulin, Achva Academic College, Israel
November 2023
Available
Paperback
9781009327046

    Drawing attention to the pivotal ideas associated with 'the science of the cultural mind', this book centres on the idea that the human mind should be considered a sociocultural, rather than a natural or biological, phenomenon. Far from being purely theoretical, the science of the cultural mind has direct, practical implications for areas such as child development, the assessment of learning processes, and future-oriented education. The chapters are organized around five pivotal ideas and their applications, including mediated learning, symbolic tools, and leading activity. It also provides a systematic review of the Vygotskian theory and its contemporary implications in cognitive development. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book contains examples of practical applications of the sociocultural theory of learning that will benefit students, researchers, and practitioners in child development, educational psychology, culture studies, and education.

    • Presents learning as a coherent system of concepts and practices
    • Connects various theoretical concepts and the language of the sociocultural theory to practical implementations
    • Provides detailed analysis of key concepts and clarifies common misconceptions in a reader-friendly way
    • Includes numerous examples of practical applications of the sociocultural theory of learning

    Reviews & endorsements

    ‘A landmark work that, for the first time, comprehensively presents the sociocultural approach to learning and synthesizes compelling evidence for it as key to optimizing education and human development in contemporary times. Alex Kozulin persuasively argues for a transformation in current educational practice as an urgent priority, from transmission of static knowledge and skills to ‘learning how to learn’. Beyond that, this text is unique in clarifying the theoretical ideas and evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies essential for attaining this goal. Masterfully crafted, rich in research findings and practical examples, this book is an essential read for researchers and educators alike. A wonderful volume by a leading sociocultural theorist, investigator, and talented author that promises to have a major impact for years to come.’ Laura E. Berk, Distinguished Professor of Psychology Emerita, Illinois State University

    ‘The originality of Alex Kozulin’s new book relates to the fact that the sociocultural theory is presented as a set of interconnected key concepts. Each concept, in turn, is discussed in its development from the original idea to its further elaboration and practical implementation.’ Yuriy Karpov, Professor of Psychology and Education, Touro University

    ‘Written by a renowned authority on Vygotsky’s account of consciousness and its development, this latest work offers both an accessible synthesis of the theory’s central principles and an illustration of their relevance to education, with examples from diverse populations and across academic disciplines. A must-read!’ Matthew E. Poehner, Professor of Education and Applied Linguistics, Pennsylvania State University

    ‘Alex Kozulin is one of the pioneers of Vygotsky Studies as a translator and the author of the first whole-book intellectual biography of Lev Vygotsky. In his new book, Kozulin presents a creative ‘reconstruction’ of classical Vygotskian legacy, enhanced and rethought in the tradition of Reuven Feuerstein, and produces an exciting new synthesis in educational theory and practice for the 21st century.’ Anton Yasnitsky, author of Vygotsky: An Intellectual Biography

    ‘Alex Kozulin's advocacy for integrating socio-cultural theory's theoretical components into a comprehensive approach to human learning, particularly in the digital age, is not just timely, but also highly relevant, keeping educators, researchers, and individuals interested in sociocultural theory and contemporary education well-informed and up-to-date.’ Boris Gindis, Director and Chief Psychologist, Center for Cognitive-Developmental Assessment and Remediation

    ‘Recommended.’ J. A. Reyhner, CHOICE

    See more reviews

    Product details

    November 2023
    Paperback
    9781009327046
    198 pages
    228 × 152 × 12 mm
    0.3kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Introduction: the science of the cultural mind
    • 1. Mediation
    • 2. Symbolic tools and mental functions
    • 3. Leading activity and child development
    • 4. Learning potential
    • 5. Cognitive education and concept formation
    • Conclusion: Connecting the dots.
      Author
    • Alex Kozulin , Achva Academic College, Israel

      Alex Kozulin is Professor and Head of the Masters of Education Program in Special Education at Achva College, Israel, and the Academic Director of International Research and Training at the Feuerstein Institute, Israel. He is one of the major international experts in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory and theory of mediated learning.