Embedded Files
Definition of scaffolding:
Scaffolding refers to a method where teachers offer a particular kind of support to students as they learn and develop a new concept or skill. In the instructional scaffolding model, a teacher may share new information or demonstrate how to solve a problem. The teacher then gradually steps back and lets students practice on their own. It also can involve group practice.
The model of instructional scaffolding is also sometimes described as “I do. We do. You do.”1 In other words, the teacher shows how something is done, then the class practices together and, finally, students work individually.
Scaffolding has been considered challenging to define as it is in fact a metaphor to describe a broad range of learning supports.
It was first coined by researchers David Wood (Nottingham), Jerome S. Bruner (Oxford), and Gail Ross (Harvard) in their 1976 report, “The Role of Tutoring in Problem Solving.”
Links to online resources:
Scaffolding in Education: A practical guide for classroom teachers. How can you use scaffolding to promote deeper learning outcomes?
Most teachers use scaffolding, but are we using it in the right way, asks Mark Enser
Tips and ideas for teachers and school leaders.
Support every student by breaking learning up into chunks and providing a concrete structure for each.
Podcasts
Jenn has so much to offer from her experience working with students of all backgrounds, and she enriches our practices in this podcast.
In this talk, we hit on:
How to not scaffold so much we are spoon-feeding
Where to start with planning our teaching
Why my teaching might look different than yours
The importance of knowing and respecting our craft as a teacher
Why giving everything pre-planned to a new teacher is the wrong thing to do
This is a FANTASTIC talk, and is sure to illuminate some ideas and concepts for you to better serve your students!
In this episode, Russell and Steve explore 8 scaffolding strategies that any teacher can use in their lessons as alternatives to setting different work for different groups of children. By combining a range of these strategies, teachers can ensure that all learners get access to the same rich curriculum content. These techniques are shared within the 'Differentiation' chapter of our upcoming book: 'Talking Teaching with the Dynamic Deputies: Inspiring CPD for Every Teacher'.
Lisa Christensen returns to the show to discuss a simple, yet extremely effective learning support technique that more people beyond the learning profession should learn and master: scaffolding. We discuss what scaffolding is, why it’s important, why it matters to your organization, and practical examples of scaffolding in our everyday lives.
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