FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which method helps learners reach higher levels of understanding through guidance from capable peers?

1. Private speech

2. Scaffolding

3. Modeling

4. Zone of proximal development

The correct answer is: Zone of proximal development

The choice that effectively indicates the method through which learners can achieve higher levels of understanding with the support of more capable peers is the concept known as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This theory, proposed by sociocultural psychologist Lev Vygotsky, emphasizes the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance or collaboration from someone more knowledgeable, such as a peer or teacher. In the Zone of Proximal Development, learners engage in tasks that are just beyond their current capabilities, which encourages growth through social interaction and guided learning. The involvement of capable peers in this process acts as a bridge for learners to grasp more complex concepts, as they benefit from the richer discussions, support, and the sharing of strategies that peers provide. This method ensures that learners are not only challenged but also supported in a way that promotes confidence and encourages deeper understanding, allowing them to internalize new skills and knowledge more effectively.