How do you collaborate with other instructors and stakeholders on scaffolding and fading?

1 Identify the learning goals and outcomes

Before you start scaffolding and fading, you need to have a clear idea of what you want your learners to achieve and how you will measure their progress. Collaborate with other instructors and stakeholders to align your learning goals and outcomes with the curriculum, standards, and expectations. Use a backward design approach to plan your instruction and assessment from the end result.

2 Choose the appropriate scaffolding and fading techniques

Scaffolding and fading are not one-size-fits-all techniques. They depend on the complexity, difficulty, and nature of the task and the learner's prior knowledge, skills, and motivation. Collaborate with other instructors and stakeholders to select the most suitable scaffolding and fading techniques for your learners and tasks. Some examples of scaffolding techniques are modeling, prompting, questioning, feedback, and resources. Some examples of fading techniques are gradual release, self-regulation, peer support, and reflection.

3 Create a shared scaffold and fade plan

Once you have identified your learning goals and outcomes and chosen your scaffolding and fading techniques, you need to create a shared plan that outlines how you will implement them. Collaborate with other instructors and stakeholders to create a scaffold and fade plan that specifies the sequence, duration, and frequency of the scaffolding and fading interventions. Use a visual tool such as a table, chart, or diagram to organize and communicate your plan.

4 Monitor and adjust the scaffold and fade process

Scaffolding and fading are not static processes. They require constant monitoring and adjustment based on the learner's performance, feedback, and needs. Collaborate with other instructors and stakeholders to collect and analyze data on the learner's progress, challenges, and achievements. Use formative assessment tools such as quizzes, checklists, rubrics, and portfolios to track and document the learner's growth. Adjust your scaffold and fade plan accordingly to provide more or less support as needed.

5 Evaluate the scaffold and fade outcomes

The final step of scaffolding and fading is to evaluate the outcomes of your instructional strategies. Collaborate with other instructors and stakeholders to measure the learner's mastery of the learning goals and outcomes. Use summative assessment tools such as tests, projects, presentations, and essays to assess the learner's independent performance. Compare the results with the baseline data and the scaffold and fade plan to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your scaffolding and fading interventions.

6 Share and learn from best practices

Scaffolding and fading are not isolated practices. They are part of a larger instructional design process that involves continuous improvement and learning. Collaborate with other instructors and stakeholders to share and learn from your best practices, challenges, and lessons learned. Use online platforms, communities, and networks to exchange ideas, feedback, and resources. Seek opportunities for professional development and collaboration to enhance your scaffolding and fading skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?