Question

Explain how dynamic assessment is consistent with Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development and with scaffolding.

Answer 1

Cognitive development in children occur in similar manner as they learn by language, gestures, and other social interactions by interacting with their parents, peers or communities.Thus, cognitive development occurs on two planes the social plane which is interactions with others and psychological plane that is internal or motivation of the learner. Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding is helping children or the learners to achieve the maximum, for which the learners are assisted by more knowledgeable others (adults) or peers. This aid of adults or peers bridges the gap between what is known and what can be known in the learners.

Dynamic assessment aim at evaluating the progress of learners. This evaluation is done by eliciting prior knowledge, that is what is known by the learners to aid them by providing the assistance of more knowledgeable others or peers, so that they achieve the target of learning by themselves. It also provides effective feedback for effective learning by altering the needs of the learners.

Thus, is dynamic assessment consistent with Vygotsky's zone of proximal development and with scaffolding.