Customer Reviews

Educational Psychology (Classics in Soviet Psychology Series)

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Educational Psychology was one of Vygotsky's first published, but last translated books.  He wrote this book while at Gomel's Teachers College in 1921-23.  It was translated into English in 1997.   Many believed that Vygotsky wrote this book as an introductory psychology text.

It has been said that Vygotsky was a man way before his time.  Many of the ideas that Vygotsky formulates are the same issues we are dealing with today.   Vygotsky talks about inclusive classrooms, social education, multicultural education, moral education, etc.  I found it remarkable that a man in the 1920's was thinking about issues that we are struggling with today.

I think this book is a good introduction into Vygotsky and psychology in general.  Some parts of the book focus on aspects about psychology that are no longer pertinent today, but I found the history lesson worth while.  

Vygotsky wrote very little about moral development. The primary reason for this is probably largely due to the fact that he viewed moral and ethical learning as utilizing processes similar to more general cognitive growth. For those interested in moral development and character education, "Educational Psychology" is a rare and singular treat. Within this book, Vygotsky devotes an entire chapter to the subject of moral development. It is surprising that this text is not cited far more often. This book is a gold mine for those wanting to understand the history and depth of Vygotskian thought.