Overview & Description: Developed by Vygotsky, the Zone of Proximal Development refers to the range between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with support from a more knowledgeable individual. The ZPD includes:

• Tasks that cannot be performed even with assistance.
• Tasks that can be performed with assistance.
• Tasks that can be performed without assistance.

Implications: The ZPD is pivotal in educational psychology for curriculum development, teaching strategies, and understanding learner variability. It aids in developing scaffolding strategies to enhance learning.

References:

• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard university press.