The Learning Zone Model, as originally described by Tom Senninger, describes learning as series of concentric circles. In the center we have the comfort zone, the area of knowledge that we're familiar with and can easily utilize in Concept chaining.
Surrounding the comfort zone is the learning zone, an area of challenge where new ideas are wrestled with and connections into the comfort zone are formed, and hopefully eventually the comfort zone is expanded to include the new ideas. The learning zone is eustressful, requiring cognitive work to understand and link the new idea, which can be frustrating but importantly is doable.
Outside of the learning zone is the alarm zone, where ideas are so foreign that no productive learning activity can take place based on the learner's current understanding. This is distressful, resulting in frustration and burnout. If you find yourself getting frustrated and aren't sure if you're still in the learning zone or out in the alarm zone, it may be time to ask yourself, what can you do When Stuck?
The Learning Zone Model is based on the Zone of Proximal Development.
https://commonslibrary.org/the-learning-zone-model/
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