According to Vygotsky, what does the potential development level signify?

The potential development level, according to Vygotsky's theory, signifies the capabilities that a child can achieve with guidance and support from others, typically within what is referred to as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). This concept emphasizes the importance of social interaction and scaffolding, where more knowledgeable others—such as parents, teachers, or peers—can help children reach higher levels of understanding and skill that they cannot achieve alone.

Vygotsky believed that learning is fundamentally a social process, and that the skills a child is able to develop with assistance illustrate their potential for future learning and mastery. This framework suggests that educational strategies should focus on fostering collaborative interactions that enable children to expand their competencies, thereby facilitating a more profound learning experience.