Unit 1: Tutoring foundations

Overview

In order to better understand the complexity of learning environments, we will look at tutoring from the perspective of learning steps. In particular, this section focuses on the theory of scaffolding to offer guidance and support. Also, please view the reading articles and complete the activities within this page before moving onto the next step.

Tutoring Benefits

• Understand the principles and benefits of the Theory of Scaffolded Learning.
• Observe the Theory of Scaffolding and its connection to tutoring.
• Review current trends in Scaffolded Learning and tutoring.
• Identify ways to use the Theory of Scaffolded Learning within a tutoring session.

Instructional scaffolding is a learning process designed to promote a deeper level of learning. Scaffolding is the support given during the learning process which is tailored to the needs of the student with the intention of helping the student achieve his/her learning goals. Scaffolded learning focuses on a learners foundational knowledge and seeks to help a leader build on his or her foundational understanding.

Instructional scaffolding is the provision of sufficient support to promote learning when concepts and skills are being first introduced to students. These supports may include the following:

• resources
• a compelling activity
• handouts, examples, and guides
• guidance on the development of cognitive and social skills

Use of tutor scaffolding in various contexts:

• modeling a task
• giving advice
• providing coaching

These supports are gradually removed as students develop autonomous learning strategies, thus promoting their own cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning skills and knowledge. Tutors help the students master a task or a concept by providing support. The support can take many forms such as outlines, handouts, strategic questioning, modeling, and more.

As an employee of the No'eau Center, you will be expected to utilize the theory of scaffolding within tutoring sessions. There are several effective tools to utilize to enhance learners experience. Applying the theory of scaffolding can look differently depending on student needs, but for now, we're going to focus on different tools you can use to implement scaffolded learning.

Please read

• Why Tutoring Matters: The interaction of a peer tutor and a tutee during scaffolding

The following articles are optional; consider skimming through them.

• Scaffolding and Tutoring Mathematics
• Instruction, Cognitive Scaffolding, and Motivational Scaffolding in Writing Center Tutoring