It is mostly the interactions between student and scaffolder that can help the student grow their skills Just some of the benefits of this method include:
There are very good reasons why scaffolding is such a widely-used and effective teaching approach. The ultimate goal is to allow the child or student to achieve that independence through a supportive process of learning. With this in mind, scaffolding can occur with a peer, a group of peers or through the utilisation of educational technology or artifacts to nudge the student along in terms of their learning.Īn important aspect of the scaffolding approach is that the support that is given is considered a temporary necessity and as the student or child progresses, some of the support is removed until the child reaches greater independence within that aspect of their learning. This person can help the student to build on what they already know and master new skills. Whilst a teacher is often the person scaffolding learning, the concept really just involves the presence of a more knowledgeable person to help move the student’s zone of proximal development forward. Scaffolding can help students to master skills faster We know that this approach is far less effective at engaging students and often leads to poorer learning outcomes than a scaffolding approach. In contrast, a teacher who does not scaffold often places themselves as the ‘expert’ who is dominant in the process of trying to impart their knowledge onto students. A teacher who scaffolds learning works as a mentor – guiding and working alongside students.
#Scaffold meaning in education free
Through this process, students are free to ask questions, provide feedback and help their peers in their learning. How does Scaffolding help students?īy supporting a student or child to work within their zone of proximal development, teachers are allowing students to share in the responsibility of teaching and learning. The concept of scaffolding relates very strongly to the zone of proximal development. When a teacher scaffolds learning effectively, they will be helping students to bridge the gap between what they currently know and what they need to know. Scaffolding works to support students within their zone of proximal development so that they can develop new skills that would be outside of their reach without the right instruction and support. What is the relationship between the Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding? The term ‘proximal’ is used because it refers to the skills that a child or student is close to mastering. You can learn more about Lev Vygotsky’s ideas around the zone of proximal development here: Zone of Proximal Development and Scaffolding | Simply Psychology. “the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem-solving under adult guidance, or in collaboration with more capable peers” (Vygotsky, 1978, p. In simple terms, the zone of proximal development relates to the gap between what a child is able to accomplish on their own and what they can accomplish with a bit of help. Vygotsky himself defined the concept as: In the 1930’s a Soviet psychologist by the name of Lev Vygotsky developed the concept of a zone of proximal development (ZPD). What is Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development? Scaffolding is considered a vital element of effective intentional teachingand all teachers – from early childhood to tertiary education – use various kinds of instructional scaffolding within their teaching. Teachers scaffold student learning by providing intentional supports that help their students achieve a greater level of mastery than they would without that support being in place. In education, scaffolding works in much the same way as this. When we think of a scaffold, we visualise a supportive structure that helps builders climb to greater heights. A scaffolding might be low to the ground or way up high in the air – always providing just the right amount of height and support for the workers to complete their task.
The term scaffolding refers to a popular and widely-used teaching approach. Whilst on the outset it might appear as unnecessary technical jargon, the concept of scaffolding in education is certainly an important one to know and understand for educators and parents alike. Whilst teachers and educators might have a strong grasp on what it means to scaffold learning, there are many out there who are confused by how the term scaffolding relates to education. Scaffolding learning, scaffolding teaching, instructional scaffolding – these are just a few of the phrases that incorporate this educational term. Within conversations about education, it is not uncommon to hear terms that include the word ‘scaffolding’. Teachers can scaffold student learning by providing intentional support to help them learn
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