The Zone of Proximal Development refers to the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with encouragement from a skilled peer or from an adult partner. Developed by Vygotsky the idea became a central part of his learning theory. He suggested that students learn effectively by interacting and communicating with those around them.
The use of the skilled peer or adult in this model built on his ideas that social interaction was the basis for learning. More specifically Vygotsky suggested that the language component of the social interaction was important and that students developed independently of any previously identified stages of development. His belief was that the notion of social interaction led the student to sense making and problem solving skills that eventually allowed the learner to complete certain tasks independently.
Research
Zone of Proximal Development
Zone of Proximal Development Infographic
