What Is Scaffolding in Teaching?

Scaffolding is the assistance (parameters, rules or suggestions) a teacher gives a student in a learning situation. Scaffolding allows the student to have help with only the skills that are new or beyond her ability.

Expert Insight

"A set of training wheels on a bicycle is a classic example of scaffolding. It is adjustable and temporary, providing the young rider with the support he or she needs while learning to ride a two-wheeler. Without an aid of this sort, the complex tasks of learning to pedal, balance, and steer all at one time would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for many youngsters. This scaffold---training wheels---allows the learners to accomplish a goal, riding a bicycle successfully, and then to happily pedal his or her way into the wider world." ~Michael F. Graves, Bonnie Graves, and Sheldon Braaten, "Scaffolded Reading Experiences for Inclusive Classes"

Types

Scaffolding can also include breaking a large task into smaller parts, verbalizing cognitive processes, working in peer groups, or prompting. As the student begins to work independently, the teacher removes all or some of the scaffolding.

Warning

Teachers must be familiar with the students' abilities in order to apply scaffolding successfully.

Considerations

Scaffolding can be used at any level of education (K-12 and beyond) and in any discipline, but it requires detailed planning on the part of the teacher.

Benefits

The benefits of scaffolding include more motivated learners, more time spent on learning with less on searching, and a greater chance of learners acquiring the desired skill.

History

The concept of scaffolding was first discussed in a landmark article by Wood, Bruner and Ross in 1976.

References

• Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Technology: Scaffolding
• Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry; The role of tutoring in problem solving; D. Wood, J.S. Bruner, and G. Ross; 1976.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• University of Central Florida; College of Education; Strategy of the Month