VYGOTSKY AND THE ZPD: HAVE WE GOT IT RIGHT?

Abstract

There is a disparity between the historical Vygotsky and the diversity of ‘our Vygotsky’. This disparity is complex because it not only involves the interpretation of text but also mistranslation, construction of meaning and the legitimisation of current trends. This article attempts to throw light on the historical Vygotsky by unpacking this disparity with the ZPD in particular and argues that the ZPD should be seen as part and parcel of a scientific method in the quest to change psychology into an abstract theoretical framework, similar in structure to Marx's Capital In relation to Vygotsky, the issues of interpretation, translation, the logic of Capital and the ‘scientifically correct method’ are discussed. In particular, the ZPD is discussed in the context of teaching mathematics as a formal, academic discipline.