In Vygotsky's theory, what describes the difference between what a child can do alone and what they can do with help?

• A. Scaffolding
• B. Zone of Proximal Development
• C. Intersubjectivity
• D. Private speech

Answer: (B)

The Zone of Proximal Development describes the difference between what a child can do alone and what they can do with guidance from a more capable person. In this zone, learning happens because support is provided that's just enough to help the child perform the task, with the support gradually removed as competence grows. This scaffolding is the method used to bridge that gap, adapting to the learner’s current ability. Related ideas include intersubjectivity, which is about sharing understanding through social interaction, and private speech, where children talk themselves through tasks. While those concepts are important in Vygotsky’s theory, the specific idea that captures the gap between independent and assisted performance is the Zone of Proximal Development.