Zone of proximal development
Vygotsky's idea of the gap between what a learner can do alone and what they can do with help, where teaching is most effective.
- Also called
- ZPD
- Used in
- All four UK nations (details may differ), United States, International
- Topic
- Teaching and learning
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
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Related terms
- Scaffolding All four UK nations (details may differ) United States International
- Temporary support, such as prompts, models, sentence starters or worked examples, that helps a learner complete a task they could not yet do alone and is gradually removed.
More terms: Teaching and learning
Accelerated learning · Backward design · Balanced literacy · Bell ringer · Bilingual learner · Blended learning
More terms starting with Z · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class
Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.