The zone of proximal development (ZPD) was originally developed by social cognitive theorists and Lev Vygotsky to suggest how children learn. He also suggests that it helps to measure the child's intelligence level. The zone of proximal development is used to measure how well the child can solve problems independently compared with how they can solve problems with the assistance of someone who has already mastered the concepts (Coffey, 2009).
Vygotsky thought that the interaction with peers was an effective way of developing skills and learning. Children will learn to be more competent and more skillful from the help of peers (McLeod, 2012).
Ormrod states that the child's ZPD will change over time as tasks are mastered and new challenging tasks are presented (2012). "It's the challenges in life, rather than the easy successes, that promote cognitive development" (Ormrod, 2012, p. 317).
Vygotsky thought that the interaction with peers was an effective way of developing skills and learning. Children will learn to be more competent and more skillful from the help of peers (McLeod, 2012).
Ormrod states that the child's ZPD will change over time as tasks are mastered and new challenging tasks are presented (2012). "It's the challenges in life, rather than the easy successes, that promote cognitive development" (Ormrod, 2012, p. 317).