Scaffolded instruction provides a supportive learning environment. On this page, we explain what is meant by this statement.
Title: Scaffolded Instruction: Providing a Supportive Learning Environment
Scaffolded instruction refers to a teaching methodology that provides students with structured support, or ‘scaffolds,’ during the learning process, which are gradually removed as learners become more independent. This technique was inspired by the work of Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky and his concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which is the gap between what learners can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance from an instructor or more capable peer.
Scaffolded Instruction: Providing a Supportive Learning Environment
When we say that scaffolded instruction provides a supportive learning environment, we refer to a setting in which students are empowered to learn and achieve their full potential, thanks to the scaffolding provided by the instructor.
Here are some ways in which scaffolded instruction supports learning:
1. Guided Learning: In scaffolded instruction, teachers provide clear instructions, models, prompts, or cues to guide students towards understanding new concepts. This can help students grasp complex ideas by breaking them down into manageable parts. Over time, as the learner’s understanding improves, this guidance is progressively diminished, allowing the learner to take more responsibility for their learning.
2. Fostered Confidence and Independence: By offering temporary support during the initial stages of learning, scaffolded instruction helps build students’ confidence in their ability to perform tasks independently. As students gain proficiency, scaffolds are removed, encouraging learners to apply their acquired skills and knowledge independently.
3. Individualized Instruction: Scaffolded instruction can be tailored to the individual needs of each student. Teachers can modify the type, level, and amount of scaffolding provided based on a student’s prior knowledge, skill level, and learning pace. This personalized approach helps ensure that every student gets the support they need to succeed.
4. Facilitates Mastery Learning: Scaffolds in instruction can enable mastery learning, a concept where students must achieve a level of mastery in prerequisite knowledge before moving forward to learn subsequent information. With scaffolding, students can better understand and master each concept or skill before moving on to the next, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
5. Encourages Active Learning and Engagement: Scaffolded instruction can stimulate active learning and engagement by involving students directly in the learning process. For instance, teachers might use scaffolding techniques like guided discovery, where students are encouraged to explore new concepts with the teacher providing hints and prompts to guide the exploration.
Video: Scaffolding a Lesson
Scaffolded instruction plays an invaluable role in creating a supportive learning environment. By offering guidance and support that adapts to each student’s needs and capabilities, this approach empowers learners to confidently tackle new challenges, become more self-directed, and achieve a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
