zone of proximal development

in Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, the difference between a child’s actual level of ability and the level of ability that he or she can achieve when assisted by, or working in cooperation with, older or more experienced partners (e.g., adults or more knowledgeable peers). Vygotsky asserted that what children can do with the assistance of others is even more indicative of their developmental status than what they can do alone. See sociocultural perspective.

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Psychology term of the day

November 24th 2024

aphagia

n. inability to swallow or eat. —aphagic adj.