A8. How well do teachers need to understanding the term scaffolding?
Every teacher will have the capabilities to get the best from their students; this is inherent in the training a teacher receives throughout their PGCE or GTP course. However, this process is one which is continually development due to the variations of intakes, class and ages of students. Larkin (2002) suggests that teachers can follow a few effective techniques of scaffolding which would improve the implementation and understanding of this concept. These techniques include boosting confidence (acknowledging and praising good work), providing enough assistance (not jumping in too soon), avoiding boredom (pitching activity at the right level), and helping children ‘fit in’. Teachers will use these strategies in varying capacities day to day; these are the basic components of developing and maintaining the process of scaffolding.
References & Research
Larkin, M. (2002). Using scaffolded instruction to optimize learning. Arlington, VA, Retrieved 17th September 2014 from
