What can Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) tell us about how to support language learners? 

In this talk, Matthew E. Poehner, professor of applied linguistics and education and director of the Center for Language Acquisition at Pennsylvania State University, will introduce key ideas related to the ZPD and explore their implications for language teaching and learning.  

Drawing on research in sociocultural theory and dynamic assessment, Poehner will discuss how teachers can better understand learners’ abilities and provide appropriate support to promote language development, offering an accessible introduction to these concepts and considering their relevance to supporting diverse language learners in educational settings.  

The talk will be followed by discussion and an opportunity for students to engage with questions about language teaching, learning, and assessment.