teaching methods:

scaffolding

teaching methods:
scaffolding
Ashley ~ Cindy ~ Leah ~ Lori ~ Natalie
What is it?
S
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Scaffolding in education is very
d
similar to scaffolding in
I
construction. Scaffolding is a
n
temporary support system used until
g
Instructors provide support during initial
learning. This allows for learners to
accomplish tasks they otherwise could
not do on their own.
Once learners develop the skill, the
instructor can gradually remove the
scaffolding.
Strengths Of Scaffolding
*Independent Learners

*Self-Regulating Learners

*Good Problem Solvers

*Provides individualized instruction

*Engages the Learner

*Motivates the Learner

*Minimizes Frustration Level of the

Learner

“What I hear, I forget. What I see, I

remember. What I do, I understand.”
- Kung Fu Tzu (Confucius)
Weaknesses of Scaffolding
•Very time consuming

•Lack of sufficient personnel

•Potential for misjudging the Zone of

Proximal Development

•Inadequately modeling the desired

behaviors, strategies or activities
because the teacher has not fully
considered the students needs.

• Full benefits not see unless the

instructors are properly trained

•Requires the teacher to give up

control as fading occurs

•Lack of specific examples and tips in

teacher’s editions of textbooks.
 Scaffolding
Example 1
Secondary Ed.
English Literature:
Making
Shakespeare
#1:
BRING IT HOME

Make what you

are teaching
relevant to
today’s teens.
#2: TAKE A CLOSER
LOOK

•Prepare students for

language or vocabulary
related to what you will
be learning about
BEFORE YOU DIG IN.

•Discuss any related

issues that will be
Example 2: Scaffolding used with
Elementary Age Students
Scaffolds are Activities and Tasks that:
v Motivate or enlist the child’s interest to the task.

v Simplify tasks to make them achievable for the child

v Provide some direction to help the child focus on achieving

the goal

v Clearly indicate differences between the child’s work and the

standard solution

v Reduce frustration and risk

v Model and clearly define expectations of the activity being

performed (Bransford, Brown and Cocking 2000).
Scaffolding Learning
John McKenzie’s thoughts about
Scaffolding:
 “The teachers
provide clarity and
support, but the
students construct
the final result
through their
research”
(McKenzie, 1999).
Works Cited:
http://www.amazon.com/Romiette-Julio-Sharon-M\Draper/dp/0689842090/r

http://www.teachwithmovies.org/guides/romeo-and-juliet.html

Kauer, Professor Susanne. Renaissance Primer: Common Phrases &

Expressions.

Lipscomb, L., Swanson, J., West, A. (2004). Scaffolding. In M.

Orey(Ed.), Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching, and
Technology. Retrieved <July 2009> from
http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt.

R. Van Der Stuyf, Rachel. Scaffolding as a Teaching Strategy.

“Adolescent Learning and Development.” 17, Nov. 2002