Research from interactionist second language acquisition and sociocultural theoretical perspectives shows that referential questions are important for learning, but also, that they can be difficult for English language learners (ELLs) to understand and produce answers to. By integrating analytical tools from both traditions, this study examined the scaffolding functions of a fifth grade teacher's talk. The study found that the teacher utilized various communicative moves to engage ELLs in referential questions. Examples illustrating these communicative moves and their scaffolding functions are provided. Implications from these findings for teacher education are discussed
Support for children with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms, in many countries, continues to be provided by teaching assistants (TAs). Whilst they frequently take responsibility for instruction, they are rarely adequately trained and prepared. As TAs have ample opportunities for individualised and group interactions, this paper recommends scaffolding as the key theory to inform their practice
report on outcomes from recent research in which we have
worked with the metaphor of ‘scaffolding’ to address questions about the
nature of English as a Second Language (ESL) education.
*from Abstract* Maybin, Janet; Mercer, Neil and Stierer, Barry (1992). 'Scaffolding': learning in the classroom. In: Norman, Kate ed. Thinking Voices: The work of the National Oracy Project. London: Hodder & Stoughton, pp. 186–195.
Model of pedagogical practices around various scaffolding strategies to support ESL learners in learning content and developing language in mainstream curricula.
This article describes how scaffolding can be successful and goes into conclude that there are 6 key ingredients for scaffolding learning: recruitment, reduction in the degree of freedom, direct maintenance, marking for critical features, frustration control, demonstration
A practical strategy for improving students' reading comprehension skills. Appears relevant to my own context because of the difficulties experienced by learners. This is a simple yet effective strategy which could be incorporated easily into all lessons - I can see its relevance in CBLT and other reading education settings.