Which theorist introduced the concept that learners can achieve tasks with assistance that they cannot accomplish independently?

The concept that learners can achieve tasks with assistance that they cannot accomplish independently is known as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which was introduced by Lev Vygotsky. This theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction and guidance in the learning process, suggesting that collaboration with more knowledgeable others—such as teachers, peers, or adults—can help learners reach higher levels of understanding and skill acquisition. Vygotsky argued that through this support, learners can advance their capabilities and ultimately gain skills that they can use independently over time.

In contrast, the other theorists mentioned focus on different aspects of learning. For instance, Jean Piaget is known for his stages of cognitive development, which describe how children construct knowledge over time without emphasizing social interaction as central to learning. B.F. Skinner is associated with behaviorism and operant conditioning, focusing on reinforcement and external factors in learning, rather than collaborative learning. Noam Chomsky is renowned for his theories on language acquisition and the concept of an innate language faculty, which does not address the collaborative learning aspect highlighted by Vygotsky. Thus, Vygotsky's framework uniquely recognizes the role of social interaction in enabling learners to progress.