foridahoteachers.org / instructional strategies / differentiation framework / zone of proximal dev.

How Do Kids (and Adults!) Learn?

The Idea:  Students learn best when they begin at their current point of understanding and are challenged, with support and guidance, just beyond what they are comfortable doing on their own. 

Based on the work of Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)

• More Information: "Zone of Proximal Development" from Wikipedia

Referenced in the work of many current educational theorists and researchers. 

The Zone of Proximal Development is another way of describing differentiation by readiness. 

To be most effective, instruction should begin at the student's current level of understanding.