Scaffolding

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]”What do we know about the bio-physiology of learning? We know that the brain changes structure and function in response to experience. We know that it’s all about connections and that it is not a product, but a dynamic process that occurs when new neuronal connections are made…As these pathways are used and strengthened, learning is also strengthened” (Wunderlich et. al.).

Based on research, an important aspect of instruction is building structures or networks that support learning in a particular discipline. Scaffolding resources are designed to provide “intellectual support for students’ thinking until they learn how to handle the subject matter more independently” (Indiana State University).

Scaffolding resources provide structure to help learners with the following:scaffolding

1. Organizing and processing information

2. Working through a thinking and/or problem-solving process

3. Following procedures

4. Completing tasks

5. Developing skills

Scaffolding develops confidence with thinking and process structures. Those structures need to provide a solid framework without being a straight jacket for creativity. This is the balancing act – Scaffolding must support, but not limit the “construction” process.[/vc_column_text][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title=”Reflection on Practice” tab_id=”scaffolding-reflection-tab”][vc_column_text]

  1. As an expert in your discipline, what processes and frameworks do you use for organizing, thinking about, and communicating information and ideas? How can you make those processes and frameworks more explicit for your learners?
  2. In your course or discipline, what aspects of learning (i.e. knowledge, skills) pose consistent difficulty for students? What resources could provide support and structure in those areas?

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ideas for Implementation” tab_id=”scaffolding-ideas-tab”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]1. Frameworks

Experts use frameworks in their disciplines intuitively (i.e. Scientific Method, Problem-Solving, Design Processes, Planning Frameworks). Making frameworks explicit allows learners to spend more time working with the content.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space] Sample Problem Solving Framework [/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]2. Charts and Other Visual Organizers
Charts and other visual organizers (i.e. timelines, Venn diagrams, trees, flow charts, outlines, storyboards, tables, graphs, diagrams) provide clear structures for extracting, organizing, and processing information.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]3. Step by Step Process Guides
Breaking complex tasks into steps provides the structure many students need to get started on and complete a learning task successfully. Such guides encourage faculty to articulate how they, as experts, work through the task. Visit the link for a guide for developing and supporting an argument.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]4. Tip Sheets (Step by Step Skill Guides)
As experts in our discipline we naturally do things that required many repetitions in the learning stages. Tip sheets allow learners to review and practice skills independently as many times as necessary. Visit the link below for a sample Tip Sheet on Evaluating Information Sources.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]5. Guiding Questions (i.e. Reading Guides, Lecture Guides, Video Guides)

Guiding questions help learners focus their attention and act as a filter for large amounts of information. Visit the link below for Pedagoggle on facilitating learning with effective questions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space] Facilitating learning with effective questions [/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]6. Informational Resources

We don’t generally have time to teach students all the skills they need to effectively complete assignments. However, we can provide them with supporting informational resources for reference.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space] Guide for annotating a text [/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]7. Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment Guides

Self or peer assessments are generally only effective when students have clear structures and guidelines that help focus their attention, and give them the language they need to give constructive feedback.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space] Resources for team assessment and evaluation [/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row]