Interactive Processes and Cognitive Development Essay

Interactive Processes and Cognitive Development - Essay Example One such theory is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) by Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky professes that there is an actual zone for development and this zone consists of a gap "between a learner's current or actual level of development determined by independent problem solving and the learners emerging or potential level of development." Schaffer (2006 p 46) The key to what Vygotsky professed is that this zone or gap is imperative to development. It contains the set of knowledge that the learner has the ability to learn at that time. However, the learner at that time does not comprehend that these things are just our of their reach. Schaffer (2006, p 181) It is the point in child development where the learner is challenged to learn. Jean Piaget has a theory regarding child development and the cognitive processes that are involved. Piaget was concerned with knowledge and how it is obtained just as Vygotsky was. Rather than being a zone that prompted or challenged further gaining of information Piaget's theory's key concept was that knowledge grows. In one respect this is essentially what Vytgosky's (ZPD) theory professed.