Course:EDCP371 951 2010/Collaborative learning
Our quote: "Spigel points out that the emergence of the "family room" as an architectural feature of the post-World War Two suburban home indicates the importance placed on bringing the family together." If all family members were interacting and discussing what was happening within the television programs to further the development of their family learning, they would be learning in a collaborative fashion. A collaborative family is one in which each member depends on, and is accountable to, the other.
Vygotsky's zone of proximal development states that "a child follows an adults example and gradually develops the ability to do certain tasks without help or assistance" (Wikipedia, "Zone of Proximal Development"). Families debriefing pop culture on television allows children and adults to collaborate to make sense of this crazy adventure we call life. Parents scaffold concepts isomorphically to enrich and expand the consciousness of the products of their loins. One day, their children will return and provide sustenance from the family farm, ensuring a leisurely end to their tired, otherwise meaningless lives.
Look, two videos!
http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_shows_how_kids_teach_themselves.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Vcf-p3--w&feature=related
Look at us collaborating! This is so beneficial!
Lady Gaga and Beyonce are collaborating! They love Vygotsky! (But who is scaffolding whom?)
