What concept did Vygotsky introduce that refers to the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can do with help?

Vygotsky introduced the concept known as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which is crucial in understanding how learners develop skills and knowledge. The ZPD represents the range of tasks that a learner can perform with guidance and assistance but cannot yet accomplish independently. This framework emphasizes the importance of social interaction and collaborative learning, as it highlights that learners can achieve higher levels of understanding and skill when they receive support from more knowledgeable others, such as teachers or peers.

This concept is vital for educators and psychologists because it suggests that teaching should be tailored to the specific developmental stage of the learner, providing the right amount of support to help them progress. The distinction between what a child can do alone and what they can achieve with support illustrates the potential for growth that exists when learners are guided through challenging material.

While scaffolding is closely related to the ZPD—referring to the instructional techniques used to support learners within their zone—Vygotsky's ZPD specifically identifies the developmental space important for cognitive growth. The other choices, such as Attachment Theory and Social Mediated Learning, refer to different aspects of psychological and educational development that do not directly capture the idea of assistance in learning tasks in the manner described by the ZPD.