Abstract
<p>This paper explores the transformative role of Vygotsky’s social learning theory in shaping English literature pedagogy in the unique ecosystem of rural colleges. This qualitative study, positioned at the intersection of educational psychology and literary studies, extends well beyond a mere application of theory to a more nuanced investigation of the mediating effects of collaborative learning, peer scaffolding, and cultural contextualization on students’ engagement with complex literary texts. Through the triangulation of methods including extensive classroom observations, in-depth focus group discussions, and detailed textual analysis of student work, the study reveals a dialectical relationship between pedagogical practice and the rural milieu. Findings indicate that rural colleges, which are often viewed negatively due to infrastructural constraints, are in fact fertile ground for dialogic and community-based learning that speaks to Vygotskian principles. This environment encourages not just a better understanding, but also critical thinking, cultural affirmation and meaning co-construction. This suggests that the “constraints” of the rural setting can be understood as unique pedagogical resources.</p>