Factors which may play a role in regulating cognitive interaction, and thereby help determine the cognitive opportunities children have when they work with others, are discussed. Discussion focuses first on individual contributions as mediators of joint cognitive activity, and second on the way participants' shared social history may influence the…

Compared the collaborative patterns of seven- and five-year-old expert planners working with five-year-old novice planners on tasks requiring reverse sequencing strategies. Results suggest that cognitive gains are achieved when children collaborate with peers more expert than themselves in problem-solving activities. (MM)

Noting that sociocultural approaches to cognitive development provide valuable insights into the influences on learning of relationship and cultural variables, this book discusses recent theory and research on the social context of cognitive development. The book takes the view that the social settings in which children live and grow provide both…