Zone of Proximal Development
Definition
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is a concept in educational psychology introduced by psychologist Lev Vygotsky. It refers to the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner.
Analogy
Think of ZPD as a game of basketball. A player might be able to dribble and shoot on their own, but with the help of a coach, they could learn more complex skills like strategic plays or advanced shooting techniques. The gap between what they can do alone and what they can do with assistance is their Zone of Proximal Development.
Theoretical Perspectives
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is a concept central to Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory. It describes the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.Study And Research Findings
Study and Research FindingsRelated terms
Cognitive development: This term refers to how we perceive, think, and gain understanding of our world through interaction and influence of genetic and learned factors.
Social learning theory: This theory suggests that people learn from one another via observation, imitation, and modeling. It emphasizes the importance of observing and modeling behaviors, attitudes, emotional reactions.
Constructivism: A theory about learning that suggests learners construct knowledge based on their experiences.
"Zone of Proximal Development" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (3)
- What is an example of Lev Vygotskys zone of Proximal development?
- In the context of cognitive development, who is most associated with the concept of "zone of proximal development"?
- Who developed the concept of "zone of proximal development" in relation to children's learning capabilities?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.