Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Lev Vygotsky 1896-1934

Wood and Middleton - Scaffolding

• Mothers helping 4 y/o build 3D model• Types of help noted:– General encouragement e.g. ‘now you have a go.’– Specific instructions e.g. ‘get four big blocks.’– Direct demonstration

• No single strategy was best• Learning best when assistance provided best

met needs

Wood, D., & Middleton, D. (1975). A study of assisted problem-solving. British Journal of Psychology, 66(2), 181−191.

Guidelines for Scaffolding

• Assess learner's current knowledge and experience • Relate content to what students already understand

or can do.• Break tasks into smaller, manageable tasks with

opportunities for intermittent feedback.• Use verbal cues and prompts to assist students.

Silver, D. (2011). Using the ‘Zone’Help Reach Every Learner. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 47(sup1), 28-31.