Educational psychologyLesson 1 of 1 in the course Constructivism and social learning

Zone of Proximal Development, Scaffolding, and Instruction

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

This lesson introduces the zone of proximal development (ZPD), its origin in Lev Vygotsky’s work, and how it differs from learning that happens entirely independently. Understanding the ZPD helps explain why a learner’s potential may be greater than what they can demonstrate alone.

The zone of proximal development is the range between what a learner can do independently and what the learner cannot yet do, even with assistance. Within this range, the learner can successfully perform a task with guidance from a teacher, peer, or another person who can provide useful support.

All flashcards

Zone of proximal development (ZPD)
The range of tasks a learner can complete with support but not yet independently.
More knowledgeable other (MKO)
A person with greater knowledge or ability than the learner for a particular task or idea.
Scaffolding
Temporary, adjustable guidance that is reduced as a learner becomes more capable.
Task-specific expertise
Knowledge or ability that makes someone a useful helper for a particular task, not necessarily for every subject.
Self-efficacy
A learner’s belief in their ability to succeed.

Quiz questions

  1. Which researchers are commonly associated with developing the term scaffolding for educational settings?Answer: Jerome Bruner, David Wood, and Gail Ross.
  2. How should scaffolding change as a learner becomes more capable?Answer: The helper should gradually reduce the guidance provided.
  3. Why should teachers consider individual readiness when planning tasks?Answer: Learners may have different background knowledge and respond differently to help.
  4. What makes collaborative learning useful within the ZPD?Answer: Peers can explain ideas, ask questions, and help one another tackle challenging tasks.
  5. What may happen when tasks or peer comparisons make learners feel unprepared or inferior?Answer: Their motivation and belief in their ability to succeed may be harmed.

Based on the Wikipedia article Zone of proximal development, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Educational psychology

All Educational psychology lessons
Educational psychologyEducational Assessment: Purposes, Types, and Quality5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Educational psychologyLearning-Style Models, Assessment, and Evidence for Instructional Matching5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →