The concept of the social mind means that our thinking is deeply influenced by interaction with others. Even when we think “inside our heads,” our ideas, language, and reasoning are shaped by the social and cultural contexts we live in. Community and culture provide the shared knowledge, values, and communication patterns that guide how we understand and learn.

An example of a learning experience that exercises the social mind is collaborative group projects, where students work together to solve a real-world problem. In this process, they exchange ideas, negotiate meaning, and build on each other’s insights—demonstrating collective intelligence, or the shared thinking that emerges from teamwork. Collaborative learning helps students develop communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills that go beyond individual understanding. For instance, in a science project where students design a recycling plan for their school, each member contributes unique perspectives, leading to a richer and more practical solution. This shows how learning within a community of practice allows individuals to grow through participation, reflection, and shared purpose.