zone of proximal development(ZPD)
A competence on a task that a student cannot yet master on their own, but can achieve with the guidance of a capable partner(O’Donnell et al., 2016, p. 116)
The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is a term coined by Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky, which refers to the difference or gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve when provided with the appropriate guidance or support from a knowledgeable and competent teacher, mentor, or peer.
In other words, the ZPD represents the developmental zone where learners can acquire new skills and knowledge with the help of others who have more expertise and experience than themselves. It is the space between what a learner already knows or is capable of doing and what they want or need to learn, but cannot yet achieve without assistance.
The ZPD is not a fixed or static concept. It can and should vary depending on the individual’s cognitive, emotional, and social factors, as well as the specific learning task or context. Effective educators need to be skilled in identifying the ZPD of their learners, assessing their current abilities, and providing appropriate scaffolding, guidance, and feedback to help them progress toward their goals.
The ZPD has important implications for teaching and learning, as it suggests that educators need to be attentive to their learners’ needs, provide opportunities for collaboration and interaction, and build on their existing knowledge and skills to promote optimal growth and development. By doing so, they can help learners become more independent, self-regulated, and successful in achieving their learning objectives.
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