According to Vygotsky, which term refers to the gap between what children can achieve independently versus with guidance?

The term that refers to the gap between what children can achieve independently versus with guidance, according to Vygotsky, is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This concept highlights the differences in a child's capabilities when working alone compared to when they receive support from adults or more knowledgeable peers.

Vygotsky emphasized that learning is a social process and that children's cognitive development is facilitated through social interaction. The ZPD illustrates that there are tasks that a child cannot perform alone but can complete with assistance. This understanding is crucial for educators and caregivers because it underscores the importance of scaffolding—a method where support is gradually removed as the child becomes more competent in a skill or concept.

In contrast, other concepts such as 'stability and change' don't address the educational dynamic of support versus independence. 'Stages of psychosocial development' relates more to emotional and social development rather than cognitive tasks. 'Temperament' pertains to the characteristics and behaviors that influence how a child responds to the environment and does not directly engage with learning capabilities in relation to guidance. Thus, the ZPD is a central concept in understanding Vygotsky's view of cognitive development and the role of social interaction in fostering learning.