The Zone of Proximal Teacher Development

This article was published in Teaching and Teacher Education, Vol 27 number 2,
Author(s): Mark K. Warford, " The Zone of Proximal Teacher Development", Pages 252-258, Copyright Elsevier (February 2011).

This paper applies the researcher’s core concept, the zone of proximal development to teacher education.
The resulting model for educating teaching candidates within zones of proximal teacher development (ZPTD) synthesizes findings from Vygotskyan research into Western models of teacher education.
The article recognizes and addresses the powerful influence of prior learning experiences and local teaching practices on candidates’ development.

The article presents recommendations with regard the four stages of the Zone of Proximal Teacher Development and implications for the teacher preparation curriculum.