Vygotsky's More Knowledgeable Other

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Overview

Lev Vygotsky’s More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) is a cornerstone of his sociocultural theory of cognitive development, highlighting the importance of social interactions in learning. The MKO refers to an individual or resource with a higher level of knowledge, skill, or understanding than the learner, providing guidance that helps the learner achieve tasks they could not accomplish independently. This handout is designed to clarify the MKO concept and offer practical examples for educators and caregivers, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration, skill-building, and independent growth.

The MKO is critical to Vygotsky’s concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)—the gap between what a learner can do unaided and what they can accomplish with support. By engaging with an MKO, learners receive scaffolding tailored to their abilities, enabling them to bridge this gap and master new skills. For instance, a parent guiding a child to tie their shoes provides just enough support for the child to succeed, gradually withdrawing assistance as the child gains confidence. This handout explores how MKOs, ranging from adults and peers to younger children and technology, create opportunities for meaningful, socially embedded learning that supports development.