Teaching Methods Scaffolding

teaching methods: scaffolding

teaching methods: scaffolding Ashley ~ Cindy ~ Leah ~ Lori ~ Natalie

What is it?

S c a f f o d I n g

Scaffolding in education is very similar to scaffolding in construction. Scaffolding is a temporary support system used until

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 seen 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