29 April 2010 | Janneke van de Pol • Monique Volman • Jos Beishuizen
This review article examines the concept of scaffolding in teacher-student interaction over the past decade. Scaffolding is a dynamic process where a teacher provides temporary support to help a student complete a task they might not be able to do alone. The three key characteristics of scaffolding are contingency (support adapted to the student's current level), fading (gradual reduction of support), and transfer of responsibility (gradual shift of task responsibility to the student). The review discusses various studies on the appearance and effectiveness of scaffolding, highlighting that scaffolding is effective in supporting student learning. However, the measurement of scaffolding remains a challenge due to its dynamic and complex nature. The review also presents a framework for analyzing scaffolding strategies, distinguishing between scaffolding means and intentions. The effectiveness of scaffolding is supported by several studies, but more research is needed to fully understand its application in different contexts. The review concludes that while scaffolding is effective, its measurement and application in natural classroom settings require further investigation.This review article examines the concept of scaffolding in teacher-student interaction over the past decade. Scaffolding is a dynamic process where a teacher provides temporary support to help a student complete a task they might not be able to do alone. The three key characteristics of scaffolding are contingency (support adapted to the student's current level), fading (gradual reduction of support), and transfer of responsibility (gradual shift of task responsibility to the student). The review discusses various studies on the appearance and effectiveness of scaffolding, highlighting that scaffolding is effective in supporting student learning. However, the measurement of scaffolding remains a challenge due to its dynamic and complex nature. The review also presents a framework for analyzing scaffolding strategies, distinguishing between scaffolding means and intentions. The effectiveness of scaffolding is supported by several studies, but more research is needed to fully understand its application in different contexts. The review concludes that while scaffolding is effective, its measurement and application in natural classroom settings require further investigation.