Question

Who proposed the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development ?

• A. Bruner
• B. Ausubel
• C. Vygotsky
• D. Chomsky

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Vygotsky

Lev Vygotsky

• Background: Lev Vygotsky was a Soviet psychologist who proposed the Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development.

• Concept Definition: The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to the distance between what a learner can achieve independently and what they can achieve with the guidance and encouragement of a skilled partner (often a teacher or a more competent peer).

• Core Components: The theory emphasizes that learning is a social process rather than an isolated cognitive act.

• Scaffolding: The concept of scaffolding, introduced by Jerome Bruner, is closely related to ZPD; it involves the temporary support structures provided to the learner to bridge the gap within their ZPD.

• Educational Significance: Vygotsky argued that instruction should focus on tasks within the ZPD rather than tasks that are too easy (already mastered) or too difficult (beyond the learner's current reach).