Instructional Scaffolding: Mediating language and critical thinking development in a diverse classroom

Presenter

Abstract

n both Higher Education and TVET contexts, the role of tutors, lecturers and academic development practitioners is often multifaceted and complex. On the one hand, one has to address course-content; when on the other - the basic skills associated with the students learning processes are often underdeveloped or limited. The question remains: how does one address course content and provide students with the necessary literacy skills so they can effectively negotiate the diversity and complexity associated with written and spoken tasks within their chosen discipline.

This presentation will draw on the teaching experiences of a distance learning tutor based on face-to-face, e-tutoring and videoconferencing channels of engagement with students, and will highlight key areas and dilemmas associated with critical thinking, reading and writing skills acquisition from the perspective of a language practitioner.

Presentation