Scaffolding

How it is used

Very common in teacher training and observation feedback. Teachers provide or use scaffolding, such as sentence starters, examples, hints or graphic organizers. The verb is scaffold ('scaffold a task'). The idea is linked to Vygotsky's work on learning.

Example sentences

1. Sentence starters are a simple form of scaffolding for weaker writers.

2. As the term goes on, I reduce the scaffolding so students plan their essays alone.

Common collocations

• provide scaffolding
• remove the scaffolding
• scaffold a task
• scaffolded activity

Related terms

• differentiationAdapting tasks, support, materials or outcomes so that students with different levels, needs and interests can all make progress in the same lesson.
• check for understandingTo find out during a lesson whether students have really understood an explanation or instruction, usually by asking targeted questions or giving a quick task.
• student-centered learningAn approach in which students take an active role in their learning, for example by discussing, investigating and making choices, while the teacher guides rather than lectures.
• extension activityAn extra, more challenging task for students who finish early or need to go deeper, so that they keep learning instead of waiting.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• scaffolding · Civil Engineering & Construction
• scaffolding · Child Development & Early Education

More terms: Teaching Methods and Approaches

• pedagogy
• pair work
• group work
• active learning
• critical thinking
• cooperative learning
• project-based learning
• inquiry-based learning
• rote learning