Correct Answer - Option 4 : Zone of proximal development
'Lev Vygotsky', a Soviet psychologist, has propounded the "Socio-cultural Theory". This theory implies the idea that social interaction plays a crucial role in the development of learners' cognitive ability.
According to Vygotsky, 'zone of proximal development' or 'ZPD' refers to the:
- the gap between what the child can do independently and with assistance.
- difference between what a learner can do on his/her own and what he/she can do with someone's help.
- range of tasks too difficult for the child to do alone, but possible with the help of adults and more skilled peer.
- distance between learners' actual development level and his/her level of development under someone's guidance.
Other Important Terms Proposed by Vygotsky in his 'Socio-cultural Theory':
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Scaffolding: It refers to a process through which temporary support is imparted to the learners to enhance learning to achieve goals.
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More Knowledgeable Other(MKO): It refers to a person with a higher skill level and a better understanding of the concepts than the learners.
Hence it could be concluded that according to Vygotsky, a range of tasks too difficult for the child to do alone but possible with the help of adults and more skilled peers is called Zone of Proximal Development.
