Which theorist is best known for the concept of the 'zone of proximal development'?

The concept of the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) was introduced by Lev Vygotsky, making this the correct choice. Vygotsky's theory focuses on the social aspects of learning, emphasizing that children learn best when they engage with more knowledgeable others, such as parents, teachers, or peers. The ZPD defines the space between what a child can achieve independently and what they can achieve with guidance. This highlights the importance of scaffolding, where support is provided just enough to help children make progress without doing the task for them. Vygotsky's work underscores the significance of social interaction and cultural context in cognitive development, showcasing how learning is a collaborative process.

Other candidates, while notable in their own right, do not relate directly to the concept of the ZPD. Jean Piaget is known for his stages of cognitive development, which focus more on individual interaction with the environment rather than social learning. Sigmund Freud is primarily recognized for his theories on psychosexual development and the role of the unconscious mind. Albert Bandura is famed for his social learning theory, which involves observational learning, but does not specifically address the influence of social interaction on the development of cognitive skills in the same way Vygotsky does with