Following Giant Footsteps: Vygotsky, Dewey, and AI Technology in Supporting Neurodiverse Students

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, Lev Vygotsky and John Dewey's philosophies remain influential pillars. Their work, rooted in the 20th century, continues to shape how we approach teaching and learning today. With the advent of AI-driven learning tools, virtual classrooms, and globalized education, their timeless insights provide a meaningful framework for supporting neurodiverse students in the 21st century.

The Power of Language: Vygotsky’s Vision

Lev Vygotsky emphasized the social nature of learning and the centrality of language as a tool for self-development. While online platforms and digital tools have transformed education, the principles of learning remain deeply rooted in verbal interaction. Language shapes how we design goals, reflect on experiences, and organize our thoughts.

Mastering the "language of learning" is crucial for neurodiverse students. By teaching them the skills needed to approach tasks—such as following instructions, understanding goals, and reflecting on their progress—we empower them to navigate classroom settings and specialized interventions confidently.

Central to Vygotsky’s theory is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), the gap between what learners can achieve independently and what they can accomplish with guidance. For neurodiverse students, this concept highlights the importance of teaching independent learning specifically and intentionally. As in any good intervention, we need to allow ample practice to explore school assignments as a problem-solving process. That way, they can break instructions into manageable units, detect relevant clues, and generate strategies independently.

Consider Nick, an eighth grader. For years, he had struggled with low grades and disengagement, receiving small group support and tutoring. To address these issues, he began a learning skills program that focused on how to learn rather than what to learn. Within three months, teachers noticed a transformation. School assignments started making sense to him, and for the first time, Nick smiled in class.

Similarly, Camille, a kindergartener with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for speech and language therapy, struggled to engage in classwork. She was enrolled in a daily learning skills program of 15 minutes per day, building foundational skills like observing schoolwork, noticing cues and examples, and asking for her strategies. By the end of the semester, she was able to participate in class.

Learning by Asking: Dewey’s Approach

John Dewey, a pioneer of progressive education, championed "learning by doing." His belief in experiential, student-centered learning continues to inspire modern approaches to education. For Dewey, the ability to ask questions was at the heart of the learning process. Effective questioning encourages critical thinking, exploration, and active engagement, empowering students to construct their understanding.

This skill is particularly valuable for neurodiverse learners who may face challenges in articulating their thought processes or identifying knowledge gaps. These students often solve problems intuitively or through unconventional methods but struggle to explain their reasoning. Supporting them requires strategies that emphasize metacognition—the ability to reflect on and understand their learning processes.

Supplementing the IEP process with tools for independent learning is key for students with learning disabilities. They must be taught questioning as a routine, and self-directed learning must be facilitated through organizational strategies, assistive technology, and self-reflection to build lifelong skills and bridge the gap between dependence and independence.

Bridging the Gap with Modern Tools

The integration of Vygotsky and Dewey’s philosophies into contemporary education offers a roadmap for supporting neurodiverse learners. By emphasizing the development of independent learning skills and fostering inquiry-based approaches, educators can empower these students to thrive.

In the 21st century, AI technology provides exciting opportunities to extend these principles. Adaptive learning platforms, virtual tutors, and other tools can help neurodiverse students practice critical skills and build confidence. However, the core of effective education remains rooted in the timeless insights of Vygotsky and Dewey — providing personalized guidance, encouraging inquiry, and nurturing a love for learning. Building on their legacies can create educational environments where all students, especially those with unique needs, can achieve their full potential.