The Elkonin-Davydov Curricular Approach: How Cognitive Development can be Driven by Cultural Tools

Abstract

This conceptual paper examines the aspects of human development that are foundational to higher mental functions and how particular features of cognition essential for relational and other types of complex thought are activated and developmentally driven through experiential exposure, specifically with others, to intentionally designed cultural tools of teaching and learning. After taking a closer look at relational thinking, which is a foundation for more complex types of thought such as computational thinking, and a developmentally appropriate pedagogical method for fostering these aspects of cognitive development, we focus on the Elkonin-Davydov early "prenumerical" phase, presenting this curricular approach as a cultural tool which can foster cognitive development. Based on this, we further conclude that the (pedagogical) tools, to which children are exposed within an interactional pedagogy, can affect and shape children's cognitive development. Further, we perceive this work has shown promise as an instructional process for fostering abstract comprehension and relational reasoning in children, and thus, we recommend implementing the Elkonin-Davydov curricular approach in early childhood daily practice.