Module 5 Question

Module 5 Question: What are the efficacy implications for teaching students inside the zone of proximal development (ZPD)?

           There are several implications for teaching students inside the zone of proximal development. The zone of proximal development is defined as a phase in which a child can master a task if given appropriate help and support. Teachers involved in teaching within the zone of proximal development have an increased depth in their teaching.  With guidance from parents or teachers, students are able to solve and completely understand a task on their own. In order to discover whether or not students are in a ZPD teachers might have the students work on problems or questions in silence, and alone. If silence is broken it can be interpreted that the students are having difficulty answering problems. In order to assist with the students in understanding problems teachers should work one on one with them. As a result of extra help from the teacher, students will be able to expand on their cognitive development, so they are able to complete problems themselves.