Vygotsky's Theory on Development

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the theory of "zone of proximal development" (ZPD), the well-established model originally launched by Lev Vygotsky. According to the paper, the role of adults in the process of a child's learning and development will be greatly enhanced through the thoughtful application of ZPD. This paper reviews the research, 'Adult Sensitivity to Children's Learning in the Zone of Proximal Development' by Amy Chak, which talks in-depth about ZPD.

From the Paper:

"The Vygotsky influence has recently had an impact in a university environment in New Zealand. Indeed, the application of the ZPD model in New Zealand moved well beyond just another theory for "old school" teachers to bravely tackle, and has actually become a "common sense" approach to learning and development. This information comes through another peer-reviewed research article ("Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development and Problem-based Learning: linking a theoretical concept with practice through action research"). In the piece, the author explains that students had been employing "problem-based learning" (PBL) methods to develop "relevant content knowledge and the metacognitive skills that will enable them to become good learners and problem-solvers..." (Harland, 2003)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chak, Amy. (2001). Adult Sensitivity to Children's Learning in the Zone of Proximal Development. Journal for the Theory of Social Behavior, 31(4), 383-395.
• Harland, Tony. (2003). Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development and Problem-Based Learning: linking a theoretical concept with practice through action research. Teaching in Higher Education, 8(2), 263-272.
• Lipscomb, Lindsay, & Swanson, Janet, & West, Anne. (2004). Scaffolding. In Michael Orey (Ed.) e-Book Learning, Teaching, & Technology. Retrieved October 17, 2006, from http://www.coe.uga.edu/epltt/scaffolding.htm.

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