Liam is working on a tough homework assignment for geometry. When he hits a particularly difficult question, he asks his mother for help. She shows him how he can measure some items around the house in order to understand the concepts in his assignment. As a result of this hint, Liam is able to finish his homework. What is the term that Vygotsky would have used to describe the difference between what Liam could do with and without help?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development includes the concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD), which refers to the difference between what a learner can do on their own and what they can do with the guidance or assistance of a more knowledgeable other. Liam's ability to complete his homework with his mother's help demonstrates his ZPD, as he was able to accomplish the task with guidance, but may not have been able to do so independently. Therefore, the best choice to describe this difference is C, the zone of proximal development. A is incorrect because staircase differences is not a term in Vygotsky's theory. B and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the concept at hand.

Liam Is Working on a Tough Homework Assignment for Geometry