ABSTRACT
The first section of the chapter introduces the readers to the concept of mental tools or tools of the mind and explains their importance for child development. The chapter then describes the history of the Vygotskian approach to psychology and education, beginning with the biography of Lev Vygotsky. Next follows a discussion of the contributions made to cultural-historical theory by Vygotsky’s colleagues and students. The section on the history of the Vygotskian approach ends with an overview of research and applications of Vygotsky’s theory in the West. The final section of this chapter outlines the main principles of the Vygotskian framework, which will be discussed in detail in the subsequent chapters.
