What is the main role of the teacher in the context of ZPD?

In the context of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), the main role of the teacher is to act as a facilitator and guide for learners. This approach is rooted in the understanding that students learn best when they are supported in their efforts to master new skills or concepts that are just beyond their current capabilities. A teacher who functions as a facilitator provides scaffolding, which means offering tailored support to help students progress through challenges while gradually reducing assistance as students gain more independence and confidence in their abilities.

This role encourages active engagement and collaboration, where the teacher assesses each learner's knowledge and skills to identify their ZPD, and then provides activities and discussions that promote deeper understanding and higher-order thinking. By aligning teaching strategies with a student's developmental stage, the teacher empowers learners to take ownership of their learning process and fosters a more personalized educational experience.