ZDP

What is the ZPD? How does it impact what we teach?

The zone of proximal development, or ZDP, is a concept developed by psychologist and social constructivist Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky explains the ZDP as “the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance, or in collaboration with more capable peers.” It’s the difference between what a learner can do without help and what he or she can do with help. The educator’s role, then, is to give his or her students experiences that are within their zones of proximal development, which would encourage and advance their individual learning. In plain English, it means I design experiences in my classroom that will stretch my students intellectually with attainable goals. My assignments should not be too easy, but they shouldn’t too hard, either. My students should be stretched but not broken.