<P> The zone of proximal development , often abbreviated as ZPD , is the difference between what a learner can do without help , and what they ca n't do . The concept was introduced , but not fully developed , by psychologist Lev Vygotsky ( 1896 -- 1934 ) during the last ten years of his life . Vygotsky stated that a child follows an adult 's example and gradually develops the ability to do certain tasks without help . Vygotsky and some other educators believe that the role of education is to give children experiences that are within their zones of proximal development , thereby encouraging and advancing their individual learning such as skills and strategies . </P>
<P> The zone of proximal development , often abbreviated as ZPD , is the difference between what a learner can do without help , and what they ca n't do . The concept was introduced , but not fully developed , by psychologist Lev Vygotsky ( 1896 -- 1934 ) during the last ten years of his life . Vygotsky stated that a child follows an adult 's example and gradually develops the ability to do certain tasks without help . Vygotsky and some other educators believe that the role of education is to give children experiences that are within their zones of proximal development , thereby encouraging and advancing their individual learning such as skills and strategies . </P>
who developed the zone of proximal development theory
who developed the zone of proximal development theory
by psychologist Lev Vygotsky
by psychologist Lev Vygotsky