Topic 3: What is Scaffolding?

One of the teaching techniques we propose is scaffolding. The exercise you have just completed at the end of the second topic is an example of scaffolding. This is going to be used later on in “The Creation of the Teaching Units”. You are probably familiar with it as it is part of the preparation of every teacher. It comes from Bruner et.al.(1979), like problem solving. We will use verbal scaffolding content scaffolding, learning process scaffolding, and emotional scaffolding. 

For more information on scaffolding: 

• In the Exercise File of this lesson you can access downloadable information on scaffolding entitled “What is Scaffolding”. 
• For a definition of scaffolding and further information on its differences between scaffolding and differentiation you can read the following article:
  Great Schools Partnership (2022) The Glossary of Education Reform, for journalists, parents and community members, In EdGlossary.org. 
• To learn more about scaffolding; soft and hard scaffolding and Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development you can view the Video made available on YouTube by Elliott L. (2017) “Scaffolding & Vygotsky”

For access, click on the titles above.