MA ELT

Second Language Acquisition (ENG 504)

Assignment No: 1
ID:220208052
Name: Mehak Fatima

Question No2:

Please read the material given below and discuss the significance of scaffolding for a

second language learner.

Answer:

Scaffolding is significant for second language learners because it helps them to overcome the
challenges of learning a new language and make progress more quickly. Without scaffolding,
second language learners may struggle to understand and use the new language, which can lead
to frustration and a lack of motivation. Scaffolding also helps to build the learner's confidence, as
they feel more capable of using the language and able to communicate effectively. Furthermore,
scaffolding can also help learners to develop their cognitive and metacognitive skills, which will
help them to continue to learn and improve in the future.

Children or unskilled persons learn under the direction of other more skilled individuals through
a process of other regulation, mediated through language, whereas mature and skilled individuals
have the capacity for autonomous functioning. Therefore, for learning to be successful, there
must be a change from cooperative intra-mental to autonomous intra-mental activity. The term
"scaffolding" refers to the supportive discussion that guides people through the many steps of a
problem. The "Zone of Proximal Development" is the area in which learning can occur most
effectively. Although the learner is not yet able to function independently in this area,
appropriate scaffolding can help them get the required result.

Scaffolding is a teaching approach that provides support for a second language learner during the
process of acquiring a new language. This support can take the form of verbal cues, visual aids,
or other forms of guidance that help the learner understand and use the new language more
effectively. The goal of scaffolding is to gradually reduce the amount of support provided as the
learner becomes more proficient until they are able to use the language independently.
According to Vygotsky's idea of "scaffolding," a learner can learn new information with the
assistance of a more knowledgeable person. When scaffolding is done well, a student can
understand something that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to comprehend. In addition to
allowing workers to operate at greater heights, scaffolding also puts them in a better position to
work on windows, walls, ceilings, and outdoor areas. Because scaffolding provides a durable,
stable structure, there are fewer risks than, say, using a ladder.

The scaffolds not only aid in learning but also

1. Encourage the youngster to be interested in the task.

2. Simplify the task to make it easier for a child to handle and complete.
3. Assist the child in focusing on reaching the objective.
4. Make sure to point out any disparities between the student's work and the expected or
ideal outcome.
5. Minimize anxiety and danger.
6. Set down the requirements for the activity in detail and model how it should be carried
out.

Overall, scaffolding is an important approach for second language learners because it provides
the support and guidance they need to successfully acquire a new language. By using scaffolding
techniques, teachers can help their students to overcome the challenges of learning a new
language and make progress more quickly.