Piotr Gal'Perin

Piotr Gal'perin (1902-1988) was one of the main figures in Russian psychology. He can be considered as one of those who added further theoretical and empirical research within the seminal framework of Lev Vygotsky's cultural-historical approach to the human mind. Although both at home and abroad Gal'perin is known mainly as an instructional psychologist, he was also a physician and neuropsychiatrist. He had obtained degrees in medicine and psychology and this dual competence, which he shared with Lev Vygotsky and Alexander Luria, formed the foundation of Gal'perin's concept of psychology. As a leading psychologist of his day, Gal'perin participated in almost all the major disputes within Russian psychology. He not only contributed to the first steps of the cultural-historical school. In later life he also acquired an independent and influential position. His name is especially associated with the theory he developed of the so-called 'systematic formation of mental actions and concepts.' On this basis, Gal'perin gives detailed instructions for the organization and regulation of teaching and learning.