zone of proximal development (ZPD)
A learner’s zone of proximal development is where the learner cannot yet complete the work independently, but can complete it when they have appropriate support. The expression comes from Vygotsky, who saw learning as an intrinsically social process, happening through the relationships between people. It is based on the premise that what we can do and learn with the support of others exceeds what we can do on our own. (See the inquiry How we scaffold language .)
