EDS3701
Assignment 3 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 30 June 2026
THE USE OF SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY TO UNDERPIN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Introduction
Theories are important in teaching and research because they give teachers a clear way of
understanding how learners gain knowledge, develop skills and make meaning from
classroom experiences. A teacher who understands theory does not only teach from habit,
because teaching becomes more purposeful when classroom decisions are linked to a clear
view of learning (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). In education, theory also helps teachers to
reflect on why some methods work better than others in different learning contexts. This is
important because learners come from different homes, cultures, languages and social
backgrounds, which means teaching must respond to real classroom differences (University
of South Africa, 2024).
3.1 Definition of the Concept Theory
In my own understanding, a theory is a well-organised explanation that helps a person to
understand why something happens in a certain way. In teaching, a theory gives meaning touse
Terms of
classroom practice because it helps the teacher to explainByhow
making use of this document you agree to:
learners think, interact,
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE USE OF SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY TO UNDERPIN TEACHING AND
LEARNING
Introduction
Theories are important in teaching and research because they give teachers a clear
way of understanding how learners gain knowledge, develop skills and make
meaning from classroom experiences. A teacher who understands theory does not
only teach from habit, because teaching becomes more purposeful when classroom
decisions are linked to a clear view of learning (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). In
education, theory also helps teachers to reflect on why some methods work better
than others in different learning contexts. This is important because learners come
from different homes, cultures, languages and social backgrounds, which means
teaching must respond to real classroom differences (University of South Africa,
2024).
3.1 Definition of the Concept Theory
In my own understanding, a theory is a well-organised explanation that helps a
person to understand why something happens in a certain way. In teaching, a theory
gives meaning to classroom practice because it helps the teacher to explain how
learners think, interact, participate and develop understanding through learning
activities (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). A theory is not just a guess, because it is
usually based on ideas, research, observations and tested explanations that can
guide practice. For example, when a teacher believes that learners learn better
through discussion and support from others, that belief can be linked to Sociocultural
Theory. This means that theory gives the teacher a foundation for planning lessons,
choosing activities, supporting learners and reflecting on teaching decisions
(Vygotsky, 1978).
3.2 Using Sociocultural Theory to Underpin My Own Teaching
My Understanding of Sociocultural Theory
Sociocultural Theory explains that learning does not happen in isolation, because
learners develop understanding through social interaction, language, culture and
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 3 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 30 June 2026
THE USE OF SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY TO UNDERPIN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Introduction
Theories are important in teaching and research because they give teachers a clear way of
understanding how learners gain knowledge, develop skills and make meaning from
classroom experiences. A teacher who understands theory does not only teach from habit,
because teaching becomes more purposeful when classroom decisions are linked to a clear
view of learning (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). In education, theory also helps teachers to
reflect on why some methods work better than others in different learning contexts. This is
important because learners come from different homes, cultures, languages and social
backgrounds, which means teaching must respond to real classroom differences (University
of South Africa, 2024).
3.1 Definition of the Concept Theory
In my own understanding, a theory is a well-organised explanation that helps a person to
understand why something happens in a certain way. In teaching, a theory gives meaning touse
Terms of
classroom practice because it helps the teacher to explainByhow
making use of this document you agree to:
learners think, interact,
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE USE OF SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY TO UNDERPIN TEACHING AND
LEARNING
Introduction
Theories are important in teaching and research because they give teachers a clear
way of understanding how learners gain knowledge, develop skills and make
meaning from classroom experiences. A teacher who understands theory does not
only teach from habit, because teaching becomes more purposeful when classroom
decisions are linked to a clear view of learning (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). In
education, theory also helps teachers to reflect on why some methods work better
than others in different learning contexts. This is important because learners come
from different homes, cultures, languages and social backgrounds, which means
teaching must respond to real classroom differences (University of South Africa,
2024).
3.1 Definition of the Concept Theory
In my own understanding, a theory is a well-organised explanation that helps a
person to understand why something happens in a certain way. In teaching, a theory
gives meaning to classroom practice because it helps the teacher to explain how
learners think, interact, participate and develop understanding through learning
activities (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). A theory is not just a guess, because it is
usually based on ideas, research, observations and tested explanations that can
guide practice. For example, when a teacher believes that learners learn better
through discussion and support from others, that belief can be linked to Sociocultural
Theory. This means that theory gives the teacher a foundation for planning lessons,
choosing activities, supporting learners and reflecting on teaching decisions
(Vygotsky, 1978).
3.2 Using Sociocultural Theory to Underpin My Own Teaching
My Understanding of Sociocultural Theory
Sociocultural Theory explains that learning does not happen in isolation, because
learners develop understanding through social interaction, language, culture and
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
