1. Discuss the concept of ZPD with the class. Use the “ ski hill “ example. Discuss what makes some problems “easy” and some problems “hard“?
2. Calibrate difficulty level of the task, break complex tasks into smaller units.
3. Use a series of predetermined graduated supports and prompts (e.g., lecture outlines,skeletal notes, cheat sheets , or call then “smart sheets“, multiple examples of illustrative problem solutions, past exams with examples of answers and possible "procedural bugs"). Ask students to develop competence, fade these supports which reduce the memory load and cognitive load.
4. Pace instruction and reduce time pressures.
5. Give students "choices" -- share responsibility for picking the right level of task difficulty.
6. Teacher performs the task while thinking aloud as a model.
7. Teach students how to self- monitor so they can judge if they are in their own ZPD.