What is scaffolding in teaching?

Scaffolding in teaching brings the "I do, we do, you do" approach to the classroom. Throughscaffolding the teacher models the intended lesson, practices the lesson with the student and theneventually allows the student to take on material independently of instruction.

Theory of Scaffolding

Lev Vygotsky developed the theory of scaffolding. He called the space between what a studentknows and the potential of what she could know with optimal instruction the "zone of proximaldevelopment." Scaffolding moves the student through the zone by building on what he already knewand then "fading" once the student masters the concept.

Example

Students learn the colors of a rainbow by listening to the teacher recite the colors as they studypictures the teacher provides. The students then practice using the mnemonic (memory-enhancing)device "ROY G BIV" to remember the colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet). Thestudents then draw their own rainbows.

Techniques

Scaffolding techniques include graphic organizers, use of mnemonic devices and "think, pair, share."Graphic organizers such as tree diagrams pull information together, making it easier for students todigest. Mnemonic devices such as "ROY G BIV" make memorization fun and simple. "Think, pair,share" enables students to think aloud with a partner and share with classmates, and promotesparticipation and teamwork.

Challenges

Scaffolding takes time. The instructor must be willing to give up control and allow fading as thestudent begins to grasp the lesson. Teachers must know a student's skill level to successfully applyscaffolding.

Benefits

Scaffolding maximizes learning by minimizing the affective filter (anxiety level that preventslearning), engaging the learner and providing cognitive anchors (making abstract ideas concrete).

Source:

Council for Exceptional Children: Using Scaffolded Instruction to Optimize Learning

University of Georgia, Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology:Scaffolding