The term
scaffolding comes from the works of
Wood, Bruner and Ross (1976). The term ‘scaffolding’ was developed as a metaphor
to describe the type of assistance offered by a teacher or peer to support
learning. In the process of scaffolding, the teacher helps the student master a
task or concept that the student is initially unable to grasp independently. The
teacher offers assistance with only those skills that are beyond the student’s
capability. Of great importance is allowing the student to complete as much of
the task as possible, unassisted. The teacher only attempts to help the student
with tasks that are just beyond his current capability. Student errors are
expected, but, with teacher feedback and prompting, the student is able to
achieve the task or goal. When the student takes responsibility for or masters
the task, the teacher begins the process of “fading”, or the gradual removal of
the scaffolding, which allows the student to work independently. “Scaffolding is
actually a bridge used to build upon what students already know to arrive at
something they do not know. If scaffolding is properly administered, it will act
as an enabler, not as a disabler” (Benson, 1997).

Many different facilitative tools can be utilized in scaffolding student
learning. Among them are: breaking the task into smaller more, manageable parts;
using ‘think alouds’, or verbalizing thinking processes when completing a task;
cooperative learning, which promotes teamwork and dialogue among peers; concrete
prompts, questioning; coaching; cue cards or modeling. Others might include the
activation of background knowledge, giving tips, strategies, cues and
procedures. Teachers have to be mindful of keeping the learner in pursuit of the
task while minimizing the learner’s stress level. Skills or tasks too far out of
reach can lead a student to his frustration level, and tasks that are too simple
can cause much the same effect.
Each facilitative method used is chosen as an individually tailored
instructional tool. Teachers have to have open dialogue with the students to
determine what and how they are thinking in order to clear up misconceptions and
to individualize instruction. Crucial to successful scaffolding is an
understanding of the student’s prior knowledge and abilities. The teacher must
ascertain what the student already knows so that it can be “hooked”, or
connected to the new knowledge and made relevant to the learner’s life, thus
increasing the motivation to learn.
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