Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development Theory: What are its Implications for Mathematical Teaching?

Abstract

This article focused on Vygotskian Zone of Proximal Development and its implications to the teaching of Mathematics in the schools. Literature has shown that underachievement and poor performance characterise the learning of Mathematics. Teaching Mathematics in the child’s zone of proximal development is viewed as one way of improving performance in Mathematics. Literature argues that teaching in the Zone of Proximal Development where the child’s learning is mediated and scaffolded by the teacher or expert adult or knowledgeable peer makes learning more meaningful, easier, manageable, effective and efficient. The major challenge that the theory presents to teachers is that it is difficult to identify every learner’s zone of proximal development. Despite this limitation, the ZPD if appropriately applied could improve Mathematics teaching and learning in the schools.