Topic 3: Types of Scaffolding: Verbal, Content and Learning process/Emotional Scaffolding
Verbal scaffolding
Verbal scaffolding indicates the linguistic support that the teacher provides to the learner in terms of keywords and phrases. The teacher in this phase supports the student by proposing paraphrases useful to memorize a concept, and by administering both multiple-choice exercises and cloze tests. If the problem is the lack of academic language/subject area, we can define “scaffolding” as various aids such as glossaries, visual dictionaries, realia, etc, but also games and matching exercises to allow students to learn and consolidate the specific language needed.
Content scaffolding is the selection and adaptation of content to the cognitive/linguistic level of students. The selection of content is also an important part of SEL. Planning a course requires the selection of content and the choice of materials that must be adapted both to the level of the class and to the needs and characteristics of the individual student. The construction of the activities must also provide for a close connection between what precedes and what follows, so as to ensure that everyone achieves results.
Content scaffolding.
If the problem is a content gap, we can define scaffolding as summaries, mind maps, tables, or other forms of supports where the student can easily find the information he needs in order to better understand the content provided by the unit. If the problem is a lack on a socio-emotional level, the teacher should choose content related to building empathy, helping students know each other, name their emotions and recognize other students’ emotions.
Learning Process Scaffolding / emotional scaffolding
The learning process scaffolding is the set of tools that facilitate learning. Our course represents this type of scaffolding, categorizing it within the multilayered CAD. Even the reasoned and conscious use of tablets and IWB are of great effectiveness because they intercept the students’ interest in modern technology, which can be considered in the learning process scaffolding category. Scaffolding in the management of learning (learning process scaffolding) is any support/strategy or tool designed to help the student in “reasoning” or learning notions can be called scaffolding. For example, simplifying options or guiding logical steps, or suggesting strategies to locate important information in the text, but also offering emotional support.
- For an introduction to scaffolding for students visit the YouTube Video Teachings in Education (2021) “Scaffolding Instructions for Students”.
- For information on how to apply scaffolding practices in Math you can read the article by Staff S. (2022) Professional Learning: What is scaffolding in Maths?, HMH.
- For information on project-based teaching and scaffolding visit the YouTube video by PBLWorks (2019) Project Based Teaching: Scaffold Student Learning.
- In the Exercise File of this lesson you will find an exercise on Cognitive Support and Linguistic Support. Download the material to get you started.
For direct access click on the titles above.