The Zone of Proximal Development.

The Zone of Proximal Development.

1. This is the gap between what a child can do on their own and what a child can do with support from a 'more experienced other'.

   • The child will not be able to take the next step in their development unless they are supported in the Zone of Proximal Development.
     • This support is known as scaffolding and is seen as the main role of adults/teachers.

2. Vygotsky claimed that what a child can achieve with help one day, they will be able to do it independently the next day.

   • A child being able to perform a task in his or her zone of proximal development is close to managing it alone; it will be the next thing they are able to achieve independently.

3. The zone of proximal development takes account of a child's potential ability and not just their present ability.

   • Actual Ability at the Present.
     • 'Can do A alone'.
   • Zone of Proximal Development.
     • 'Can do B with help'.
   • In the Near Future.
     • 'Can do B alone'.

4. RESEARCH CARD: Hedegaard (1996).