Which educational theory emphasizes the importance of culture and social interaction for learning?

Sociocultural Theory is centered on the premise that learning is fundamentally a social process and that culture plays a critical role in shaping cognitive development. This theory, primarily attributed to Lev Vygotsky, posits that social interaction is essential for individuals to acquire knowledge and develop skills. According to this perspective, learning occurs within a cultural context, where the interactions among individuals, particularly between those who are more knowledgeable and those who are less so, facilitate the transfer of information and skills.

This approach also introduces the concept of the "Zone of Proximal Development," which highlights the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner. Thus, the sociocultural context not only influences the way learning occurs but also ensures that it is relevant and applicable to the learner's environment. Through this lens, it's clear that both culture and social interaction are essential components of the educational experience, making this theory particularly robust in understanding how learning takes place in real-world contexts.