Lev Vygotsky's _____ refers to the difference between what a child can do alone versus what a child can do with the help of a teacher.

• A. concrete operations stage
• B. formal operations stage
• C. theory of scaffolding
• D. zone of proximal development

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the context of Lev Vygotsky's work, which focuses on cognitive development in children and the role of social interaction.
2. Identify the key concept in the question: the difference between what a child can do alone versus with help. This is central to Vygotsky's theory.
3. Review the options provided: 'concrete operations stage', 'formal operations stage', 'theory of scaffolding', and 'zone of proximal development'.
4. Understand that 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) is a core concept in Vygotsky's theory, describing the range of tasks that a child can perform with guidance but not yet independently.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'zone of proximal development', as it directly addresses the difference between independent and assisted performance in learning.