Summary of a Key Study

Here is a little insight into a key study on scaffolding and my summary of what I think tutors need to know

The Study: The effects of scaffolding

van de Pol, J., Volman, M., Oort, F.?et al.?The effects of scaffolding in the classroom: support contingency and student independent working time in relation to student achievement, task effort and appreciation of support.?Instr Sci?43, 615–641 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-015-9351-z

My Summary

1. The quality of teacher support can affect task effort, which is one factor in students’ success.
2. When support is contingent, support that is tailored to a student’s understanding, the student knows which steps to take and how to proceed independently. When support is non-contingent, students often withdraw from the task as it is beyond or beneath their reach.
3. It is now generally agreed that students need at least some support and guidance during the learning process and that minimal guidance does not work.
4. When teachers are taught how to scaffold, their degree of contingency increased but the independent working time for students increased as well.
5. Another important factor in students’ success is students’ appreciation of support. Students’ appreciation of support provided may have long-term implications as support that is appreciated might encourage students to engage in further learning.
6. Scaffolding was not unequivocally effective; its effectiveness depends, among other things, on the independent working time and students’ task effort.

Tutoring Tip

Don’t be scared of independent working time; it is vital to your students’ journeys.