Implications of Wertschian perspective for the interpretation of Vygotsky´s theory in Physics teaching

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce Vygotsky's ideas from the perspective of the American psychologist James V. Wertsch. We highlight three basic themes in Vygotsky's writings: (1) mediation; (2) social interaction; and (3) development. This study is motivated by some misinterpretations typically found in the literature, such as: social interaction as negotiation of meanings; teacher as knowledge mediator; textbook as more capable peer; development as the construction of new cognitive structures. Implications of this perspective for teaching and research in Physics teaching are discussed.