The Learning Zone and the Performance Zone
The Learning Zone and the Performance Zone
Two Complementary Spaces for Learning and Growth
by: Geneviève Carpentier, Anick Sirard, Guylaine Rousseau, Tania Kabis, Marc-André Bélanger
date: January 21, 2026
A seven year old child is practicing reading aloud. He stumbles over some words, goes back, tries again. His mother encourages him: “Keep going, you’ll get it. Try to look carefully at the end of the word.” In this moment, the child is reading to learn, and the feedback he receives can directly support his attempts.
A teacher is leading a math talk. He feels awkward using this new approach, makes mental notes, observes students’ reactions, and adjusts his prompts. It’s not perfect yet, but he senses he is exploring fertile ground for better engaging students in sharing their reasoning.