Who developed the concept of the zones of proximal development?

The concept of the zones of proximal development was developed by Lev Vygotsky, a key figure in educational psychology and child development. Vygotsky introduced this theory to describe the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner, such as a teacher or peer.

This concept emphasizes the importance of social interaction and cultural context in learning, suggesting that cognitive development is significantly enhanced when children are supported in their learning by others within their zone of proximal development. Vygotsky believed that learning occurs on a social level before it is internalized on an individual level, positioning guided learning as fundamental to educational practice. This idea has transformed educational methodologies, encouraging collaborative learning and scaffolding as essential strategies for fostering child development.