The current prominent influence of the theories of L. S. Vygotsky on studie
s of education, particularly of pedagogic practice, requires a re-examinati
on The dominance of deficient editions of his writings has had regrettable
consequences such as a misplaced reading of the 'zone of proximal developme
nt: The Publication of his recent, albeit incomplete, Collected Works in En
glish affords an opportunity to reassess Vygotsky's work. Potential areas f
or such rethinking include: a comparison between his work and influence wit
h that of Piaget; Vygotsky's own epistemology and methodology, and the rele
vance of his approach to contemporary concerns.