Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development revolved around the idea of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). ZPD refers to a child's 'comfort zone', so to say, in learning. In the ZPD, there are three tiers, the first consisting of things that the child is comfortable doing on their own, the second of things that the child can do with assistance from a peer or teacher, and the third of things that the child cannot do (See below diagram). Vygotsky believed that in order for a child to do his best learning and development, he must sit in the second tier of ZPD where he can push his limits with assistance. In this tier, the student is pushing the borders of his comfort zone and stretching his learning to the max.
Unlike Piaget, Vygotsky believed that development is mainly a social experience that relies heavily on learning and environment. He emphasized the importance of having a rich environment for learning. This theory of ZPD can be easily translated to an academic setting. It is the teachers job to make sure that each of their students stays out of their high anxiety zones yet surpasses their comfort zones. By pushing students to surpass their safe zones and assisting them where needed, teachers can ensure that they are getting the most out of their education that they possibly can.
The ZPD can also be useful in my desired field of Neuro Rehab Psychology. First, it can come in handy in my continued schooling; if I want to become a successful neuro psychologist, I will need to step out of my comfort zone and push myself in my learning. In terms of the actual field, I can keep the ZPD in mind when I eventually reach my goal of helping veterans recover from TBI's. Rehab can be a frustrating and lengthy process. I will have to remember that patients progressing through the rehab process with have things that they are comfortable doing and things that they can no longer do. As a rehab psychologist, it will be my job to help patients through this difficult process and urge them to step out of their comfort zones to make recovery as quick and smooth as possible.
The ZPD can also be useful in my desired field of Neuro Rehab Psychology. First, it can come in handy in my continued schooling; if I want to become a successful neuro psychologist, I will need to step out of my comfort zone and push myself in my learning. In terms of the actual field, I can keep the ZPD in mind when I eventually reach my goal of helping veterans recover from TBI's. Rehab can be a frustrating and lengthy process. I will have to remember that patients progressing through the rehab process with have things that they are comfortable doing and things that they can no longer do. As a rehab psychologist, it will be my job to help patients through this difficult process and urge them to step out of their comfort zones to make recovery as quick and smooth as possible.
Your future prospects sound super interesting, and helpful for our nations veterans; thank you for that. TBI is something that has struck my family, and many families around the globe, and it sounds like ZPD is something that you will use in your everyday practice, every hour which is very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI love how you related ZPD to your future career! It is definitely something that you will get to use all of the time to help your patients heal as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
ReplyDeleteI find your connection of ZPD to your future profession along with what teachers may use it for. I find that you made a lot of interesting points and I agree with what you said.
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing about the connections to your field (and learning a bit about your future goals). The relevance is clear and well-articulated. I would imagine it will be challenging to find that ZPD, and I wonder how the specifics of the brain injury factor in.
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