Zone of Proximal Development

Cognitive Scaffolding means developing a learning experience that supports all learners regardless of prior knowledge, thinking and learning skills, and styles of learning. Based off Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development.

Cognitive scaffolding is designed to fill the gap between what a learner is able to accomplish on their own and what they can accomplish with assistance to help them work on their own without the need of someone else.

Using the right amount of scaffolding to support learners in their zone of proximal development is key. Too much support dampens students’ efforts while too little could result in students’ inability to perform or ascertain mastery of certain instructional activities which could, in turn, decrease motivation.