This is an idea in educational theory develop by Lev Vygotsky.
The zone of proximal development (ZPD) is the distance between what a learner can do unsupported and what they can do with support.
This is someone who has more knowledge or expertise than the learner. They could be a teacher, educator or peer.
These are supports provided to the learner to enable them to complete the task.
Social learning theory
Constuctivist