What is ZPD?

The Zone of Proximal Development

A powerful learning concept by Russian researcher Lev Vygotsky

When we are in the zone of proximal development… what we are not capable of doing alone... we are able to do, with the help of others.

The following is an example of how ZPD can work in the life of a child

Like all children, Matthew is constantly learning and exploring the world around him.

For our example, we will look at Matthew’s love of games. Over the years, Matthew has developed skills and knowledge that enable him to play a variety of games. For each game, he is able to successfully strategize and solve problems independently.

There is one game, however, that Matthew has never learned. It’s the card game Yu-Gi-Oh. Matthew knows his brother plays it very well. Matthew would like to learn, but is unsure where to start.

Matthew finally asks his brother Michael for help. Michael agrees, and begins working with Matthew in learning the game of Yu-Gi-Oh. Matthew is learning in the region Vygotsky would call ZPD.

In ZPD, Matthew is doing something requiring the help of someone more capable. Without Michael’s help, Matthew would be unable to play the game. Eventually, Matthew will learn the game well enough to play the game by himself.

“What the child can do in cooperation today he can do alone tomorrow” Lev Vydotsky

Once Matthew learns Yu-Gi-Oh, the skill moves out of the ZPD region and is added to all the other games Matthew plays independently. In time, Matthew becomes the more capable player, and begins to teach his sister Kristin.

There are some skills and knowledge Matthew is currently unable to learn, even with the help from others. Examples of these include the advanced real-time strategy and role-playing games that are played by Michael. In the future, these games may move into the ZPD region for Matthew, and he will learn them, with Michael’s help.

A Quick Review: The Regions Of ZPD What can already be done independently. ZPD - What can be done with the help of others. This will eventually be done independently. What cannot be done currently even with the help of others. This may eventually move into the ZPD.

Thank you for joining us for a look at the Zone of Proximal Development