Who developed the idea of the zone of proximal development (ZPD)?

The concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD) was developed by Lev Vygotsky, a prominent Russian psychologist. Vygotsky introduced this idea to describe the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance and support from a more knowledgeable individual, such as a teacher or peer. The ZPD highlights the importance of social interaction and cultural context in the learning process. It emphasizes that effective teaching occurs within this zone, as learners can be challenged to progress to higher levels of understanding with appropriate support. This framework has influenced educational practices, particularly in the areas of scaffolding and collaborative learning, by underlining the role of guided interaction in enhancing cognitive development.