How would a teacher apply Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development in his/her classroom?

I think that there are many ways in which that the primary
school teacher could embrace Vygotsky's approach.  In my mind, the most important
element to argue in Voygotskian thinking is the idea that the classroom has to contain
the explorative elements in which a child can learn.  Part of this involves creation of
a classroom where students are able to maximize their potential without being limited to
great of an extent.  In Vygotsky's schema, the development of "pivots," would become
critical.  These are the domains or instances where children are able to transform what
is into what can be.  Part of this might be the development of centers, where tasks are
designed to maximize student exploration of thoughts.  The idea of differentiated
instruction and learning is a part of this process.  In these environments, I think that
one of the most important elements to grasp is that the role of the teacher is one of
facilitation and not traditional source of all knowledge. The teacher has to see their
role in a different light in trying to provide students with learning experiences that
maximize student thought and the various zones of proximal development.  I think that in
this light, students are able to operate in a configuration where challenge is always
evident and where the teachers is a facilitator of this process.