Vygotsky's Theory of Cognitive Development

Question 1

Zone of proximal development
(ZPD)

Answer 1

The gap between a child’s current level of development, defined by the cognitive tasks they can perform unaided, and what they can potentially do with the right help from a more expert other, who may be an adult or a more advanced child.

Question 2

Scaffolding

Answer 2

The process of helping a learner cross the PD and advance as much as they can, given their stage of development. Typically, the level of help given declines as the learner crosses the ZPD.