The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), also known as the Zone of Potential Achievement, is a concept in developmental psychology introduced by Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky.
The Zone of Proximal Development refers to the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with guidance or support from a more knowledgeable individual. It is the area where learning and cognitive development occur.
The ZPD is important because it highlights the need for educators to provide appropriate levels of challenge and support to learners. By providing tasks that are within a learner’s ZPD, educators can help them develop new skills and knowledge, and gradually expand their capabilities.
In essence, the ZPD represents the range of tasks that a learner can complete with the help of a more skilled or knowledgeable individual, such as a teacher, Digital Content, parent, or peer. By working within this zone, learners can develop new skills and knowledge that they would not be able to achieve on their own.
