Scaffolding, ZPD

Zone of Proximal Development

Scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) are closely related concepts that support effective science learning by guiding students from what they already know to more advanced understanding. The ZPD refers to the range between what a learner can do independently and what they can accomplish with support, while scaffolding involves the temporary instructional supports—such as guiding questions, models, or feedback—that help students succeed within this zone. In science instruction, teachers gradually fade scaffolds as students gain competence, promoting independence, confidence, and deeper conceptual understanding.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

What prior knowledge and skills are needed to complete the tasks and activities of the lesson successfully?
What must students know and be able to do before the lesson, in order to engage and participate in the lesson with confidence?

The Zone of Proximal Development

The Zone of Proximal Development is defined as the zone between what a learner can do without assistance and what a learner can do with adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers. (Lev Vygotsky)

Scaffolding

Scaffolding refers to a variety of instructional techniques used to move students progressively toward stronger understanding and, ultimately, greater independence in the learning process.
Teachers provide successive levels of temporary support that help students reach higher levels of comprehension and skill acquisition that they would not be able to achieve without assistance.
Like physical scaffolding, the supportive strategies are incrementally removed when they are no longer needed, and the teacher gradually shifts more responsibility over the learning process to the student.

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