Supporting student learning and teacher development in the ZPD

Donald Freeman

Monday, 27 March 2006, at 12.00
International House
c/ Trafalgar 14, Barcelona

This presentation examines how published materials can support students' learning of language, and teachers' professional learning and development through the use of the Zone of Proximal Development (or ZPD). The ZPD is a theoretical construct first advanced by Soviet-era psychologist Lev Vygotsky which focuses on how social interaction just beyond or outside the learner's level can propel progress and learning. Viewing the course book as a tool that is shared by students and teachers, the presentation examines how the ZPD can be supported and expanded in teaching learning situations.

Dr Donald Freeman (pictured, above) is Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies in Language Teacher Education at the School for International Training and directs the Center for Teacher Education, Training and Research. He has published several books on teacher education and on teacher research, as well as over 50 articles and chapters. He is an author, with Kathleen Graves and Linda Lee, of ICON (McGraw-Hill) and editor of The Teacher Source Series. He works regularly with teachers in various settings around the world to interrelate teacher development, school change and student learning. Dr Freeman is a past president of TESOL, member of the Board of the TESOL International Research Foundation and the International Advisory Council for the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. He has an EdD from Harvard University.