ZPD
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Psychology
| Stands for | Zone of proximal development |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
ZPD stands for Zone of proximal development, a psychology abbreviation.
Gap between what a learner can do alone and what they can do with guidance from a teacher or more skilled peer. Instruction aimed within this zone, neither too easy nor too hard, is thought to produce the most learning.
Example: The tutor kept problems within the student's ZPD, giving hints only when she was stuck.
Usage notes
Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky developed the concept in the early 1930s, before his death in 1934. The related idea of "scaffolding," temporary support that is gradually withdrawn, was introduced by David Wood, Jerome Bruner and Gail Ross in 1976. The ZPD is a staple of education and child development courses.
Related abbreviations
More psychology abbreviations
- 16PF – Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire
- ABA – Applied behavior analysis
- ACT – Acceptance and commitment therapy
- BAI – Beck Anxiety Inventory
- BDI – Beck Depression Inventory
- CBT – Cognitive behavioral therapy
- CFA – Confirmatory factor analysis
- CR – Conditioned response
- CS – Conditioned stimulus
- DBT – Dialectical behavior therapy
- DV – Dependent variable
- EI – Emotional intelligence