Edusoshum: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam dan Sosial Humaniora
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026)

From the Cognitive Stage to the Zone of Proximal Development: A Theoretical Synthesis of Piaget and Vygotsky in the Perspective of Educational Psychology

Ahmad Sayyidiman Hamidalloh (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Abdul Muhid (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Arif Ainur Rofiq (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Muhammad Syafrani Surya Permadi (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Dimas Ahmad Saifullah (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Apr 2026

Abstract

The development of 21st-century education demands learning that is not solely oriented toward the transmission of knowledge, but also toward the development of higher-order thinking skills integrated with the social dynamics of students. In educational psychology, cognitive development theory and sociocultural theory are often positioned dichotomously: internal structure versus social mediation. This article aims to formulate a theoretical synthesis that integrates these two perspectives into a complementary and operational developmental model. The research employed a qualitative approach with library research. Data were obtained from primary works and relevant, reputable scientific literature, then analyzed using content analysis and comparative-critical analysis techniques to identify epistemological assumptions, common ground, and limitations of each theory. The results indicate that the structure of cognitive development serves as an indicator of epistemic readiness to learn, while the Zone of Proximal Development acts as an acceleration mechanism through social mediation and adaptive scaffolding. This synthesis yields a dynamic and cyclical Integrative Model of Cognitive-Social Development, in which social interactions encourage cognitive restructuring and shape new readiness at a higher level.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

EDU

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

EDUSOSHUM (Journal of Islamic Education and Social Humanities) is a refereed journal published by Ikatan Cendekiawan Ilmu Pendidikan Islam (ICIPI). It is a semi-annual journal published in April, August and December. The EDUSOSHUM has sought to publish research on publishing qualitative, ...