Temporary, structured support that a teacher or more capable peer provides so a learner can accomplish a task slightly beyond independent reach, with the support withdrawn gradually as competence grows. The term was introduced by Jerome Bruner and colleagues in a 1976 study of mothers helping young children solve a construction puzzle, and it built directly on Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development.
Facts
Core ClaimSupport should adjust to the learner's current level, reduce the complexity of the task without lowering the goal, and be gradually withdrawn as the learner becomes able to work independently. 2 Classification
Education Level FAQs
What makes scaffolding different from simply helping a student with a task?
Scaffolding is support that fits the learner's level and is gradually removed.
Scaffolding has three essential features. The learner and the expert interact collaboratively, the learning takes place in the learner's zone of proximal development, so the expert works a certain extent beyond the learner's current level of knowledge, and the support is gradually removed as the learner becomes more proficient. The support is compared to the scaffolds in building construction, which hold up a structure only while it is being built.
Connections
Associated With
Source Distributed Scaffolding (Wikipedia)
Source HMH, Instructional Scaffolding Examples and Strategies
Scaffolding is the instructional practice most directly built on Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development.
Additional Source WikipediaInstructional scaffolding article, ZPD relationship
Additional Source Wikipedia: Instructional scaffoldingInstructional scaffolding, Definitions and history
Developed By
Source Simply Psychology
Additional Source WikipediaInstructional scaffolding article, origin
In Approach
Sources
1. Instructional scaffolding (Wikipedia)
the support given to a student by an instructor throughout the learning processView the Source 2. Simply Psychology
Simply Psychologysimplypsychology.org/bruner.html, scaffolding section
temporary, structured support from a teacher or peer that helps a learner master a task slightly beyond their independent capability
- Developed By: Jerome Bruner
View the Source Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationInstructional scaffolding article, Essential Features section
The first feature is the interaction between the learner and the expert. This interaction should be collaborative for it to be effective.
Instructional scaffolding article, Wood Bruner and Ross 1976
Wood, D.; Bruner, J.; Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Developed By: Jerome Bruner, Instructional scaffolding article, origin
Wood, D.; Bruner, J.; Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Associated With: Zone of Proximal Development, Instructional scaffolding article, ZPD relationship
A construct that is critical for scaffolding instruction is Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD).
In Approach: Constructivism, Instructional scaffolding article, constructivist framing
Constructivists advocate that learning is better facilitated in a minimally guided environment where learners construct important information for themselves.
View the Source Wikipedia: Instructional scaffolding
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction
Instructional scaffolding is the support given to a student by an instructor throughout the learning process.
Instructional scaffolding, Definitions and history
Instructional scaffolding is the support given to a student by an instructor throughout the learning process.
- Instructional scaffolding article, common short form
In Group: Apprenticeship, Scaffolding and Situated Learning Theories, Lead
Instructional scaffolding is the support given to a student by an instructor throughout the learning process.
View the Source Distributed Scaffolding (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Distributed Scaffolding, Overview section, second sentenceQuote, Associated With: Distributed Scaffolding, Overview section, second sentence
Originally introduced by Wood, Bruner, and Ross in 1976, the learning tool of scaffolding is rooted in individualized support and tutoring.
HMH, Instructional Scaffolding Examples and Strategies
Associated With: Graphic Organizer, Examples of scaffolding in the classroom sectionQuote, Associated With: Graphic Organizer, Examples of scaffolding in the classroom section
Using graphic organizers or visual aids helps students organize information, making complex content more manageable.
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