Although Vygotsky’s theory of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) primarily refers to child learning and development, it is a concept that holds true in adult learning and outside of the traditional classroom.

In the following video, you will see how a yoga instructor acting as the More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) helps increase a student’s ZPD by verbally guiding and physically assisting the student deeper into the yoga shoulder stand pose.

 

Now that you’ve seen the application of the theory of MKO and ZPD in an adult yoga class, try it for yourself!  This module will teach you how to do a crow pose.  Crow pose (also known as Bakasana) is a yoga pose where you balance your body weight on your hands while resting your knees on your arms.  There is no equipment required but you could use a yoga mat and a cushion/pillow if you like.  Give it a try. Who knows, you might just expand your ZPD regarding yoga!

First, let’s get a general lesson on how to do a crow pose by watching this video:

 

Still struggling?  Or maybe you’d like to improve your form?  Neil Keleher is a fantastic MKO who will guide you through the nuances to achieving this yoga pose.  As you apply each of his suggestions, your ZPD is expanding!