41 Scaffolding Learning
Definition
Providing a structured learning opportunity with embedded support that promotes success and growth toward independence as well as increased learning complexity and reduced supports.
In action
Provide necessary support in initial learning stage and gradually release responsibility to students as they work through a task and gain knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Support Strategies
- Break down instructions, tasks, and information into smaller chunks
- Continually monitor student performance and the necessity of external interventions (e.g., verbal reminders from teacher). Make adjustments as needed.
- Provide teacher or peer coaching as students learn new and/or difficult tasks.
- Practice completing a similar task before asking students to work independently
- Model the steps required to complete a task before students begin
- Incorporate self-management strategies within scaffolding
Case Study
Student: A Grade 3 student in a Language lesson
Content: Students are practicing procedural writing.
Problem: The student is unsure where to begin and can’t recall how to summarize information in steps.
Solution: Before beginning the task, the teacher models procedural writing using an anchor chart, which the students can refer to as they work. Later in the week once the students have had some practice, the teacher removes the chart as students no longer need it.
Additional Resources
- Scaffolding strategies with examples from Edutopia
- Scaffolding strategies to use during reading from Reading Rockets
- Detailed article on instructional scaffolding from the IRIS Center
- Book chapter on scaffolding instruction from Granite State College
- Resource guide on scaffolding for English Language Arts from NYSED
- Tip sheet with resources and videos on scaffolding from CEC
