Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

What concept is illustrated when a child learns to potty train by observing peers?

1. Scaffolding

2. The zone of Proximal Development

3. Constructive learning

4. Reciprocal teaching

The correct answer is: The zone of Proximal Development

The correct concept illustrated when a child learns to potty train by observing peers is the zone of proximal development (ZPD). This theory, proposed by Lev Vygotsky, emphasizes the importance of social interaction and cultural context in a child's learning process. The ZPD represents the range of tasks that a child can perform with guidance but not independently. In this scenario, the child watching peers who can successfully use the toilet is exposed to behaviors and skills that are slightly beyond their current capabilities. By observing their peers, the child can gain insights and engage in learning that they might not achieve alone. This peer observation serves as a form of scaffolding, where the child is supported in their learning process through social modeling. Scaffolding itself involves the teacher or a more knowledgeable peer providing assistance to help learners progress to the next stage of understanding. While it may play a role here, the key aspect emphasized in this context is the concept of the ZPD, illustrating the child's development through social observation and interaction with peers. Constructive learning focuses on the idea that learners construct knowledge through their experiences, but it does not specifically highlight the role of peers. Reciprocal teaching is an instructional method where students teach each other under the guidance of a teacher, which isn't the