Scaffolding is the gradual transition from dependence to independence. I have noted that sometimes this transition can't be done in one lesson, one week, or sometimes, not even in one month. The more complex a task, the more explicit teaching needs to be done; the more deliberate modeling needs to be done; the more guided practice needs to be offered; and the longer it takes to achieve independent application. Learning is a process and scaffolding is its guide rail.
It is our charge as much to impart information as to teach how to think. We want to produce problem solvers not just students who regurgitate. Therefore, questioning can never be considered a wasted venture. Even when there is no answer, the curiosity of questioning leads to invention.
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Liane, this a very thoughtful post. I enjoyed reading it. I liked what you said about scaffolding: "Scaffolding is the gradual transition from dependence to independence."
ReplyDeleteI also liked your comment on questions? Are you seeing some results with students, with this added scaffolding and questioning techniques?
Keep up the great work!
Maria