... explanation of higher psychological functions in terms acceptable to natural science. Vygotsky was not able to accomplish these goals, however he was able to provide an intelligent and precursory analysis of modern psychology (Cole, 1978). His theory as a whole could be described as rather complex but there are three underlying themes that could be summarised as follows: (Lefrancois, 1994) 1. Importance of culture. 2. The central role of language. 3. Zone of proximal growth or development. The latter point in Vygotsky's theory suggests that children or students can be guided by explanation, demonstration, and work. They can attain to higher levels of thinking if more capable and competent adults guide them. This conception is better known as The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). The Zone of Proximal Development is the gap between what is known and what is not known, that is, generally higher levels of knowing. The ability to attain higher ...

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