Course Design at GWU

• Front-end analysis.

• Vision & Goals (include metacognition & EQ).

• Zone of proximal development

• Subordinate skills and entry behaviors.

• Learner & context analyses

• Performance objectives: how to follow Bloom’s Taxonomy.

• Assessment Instruments.

• Teaching methods.

• Formative & Summative Evaluations.

• Chat GPT.

The zone of proximal development (ZPD) refers to the difference between what a learner can do without help and what he or she can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner.

It represents tasks beyond the learner’s current abilities but are attainable with the help and guidance of the more knowledgeable other (MKO)). The ZPD is the range of tasks a person can’t complete independently but can accomplish with support.

Thus, the term “proximal” refers to skills the learner is “close” to mastering. The ZPD ensures challenge is not too hard or too easy.

ZPD is the zone where instruction is the most beneficial, as it is when the task is just beyond the individual’s capabilities.

To learn, we must be presented with tasks just out of our ability range. Challenging tasks promote maximum cognitive growth.