Scaffolding and Tools for Independent Learners
Karen A. McCay
8 January 2019
As long as scaffolds move learners toward growth, and as long as they are eventually removed, then they have been used successfully to assist in the learning process. However, scaffolding becomes something else entirely when the assisting teacher or peer never leaves the struggling learner’s side. Gifted learners, when they experience frustration, are a perfect example of when to leave; if they are frustrated but able to work through at least one step alone, then they are ready to move forward in a positive struggle toward rewarding learning, a strategy, which works for all learners. Instructors must ensure their instruction is always moving students forward as independent, autonomous learners, which is the ultimate goal of education.
This toolkit provides practical strategies for scaffolding struggling CLD learners and grade-level students, and it also provides tools for developing independent learners, who can think and self-assess. The kit includes practical scaffolds, a how-to on using Cornell Notes for engaging students prior knowledge all the way through their learning process to mastery learning and independent use of the strategy in their futures, and a review of three good performance rubrics (which students can even use as self-assessments).
Scaffolding Approaches
Cornell Notes
Performance Rubrics
Return to All Learners Page
Return to Relationship Teaching Home Page
Karen A. McCay
8 January 2019
As long as scaffolds move learners toward growth, and as long as they are eventually removed, then they have been used successfully to assist in the learning process. However, scaffolding becomes something else entirely when the assisting teacher or peer never leaves the struggling learner’s side. Gifted learners, when they experience frustration, are a perfect example of when to leave; if they are frustrated but able to work through at least one step alone, then they are ready to move forward in a positive struggle toward rewarding learning, a strategy, which works for all learners. Instructors must ensure their instruction is always moving students forward as independent, autonomous learners, which is the ultimate goal of education.
This toolkit provides practical strategies for scaffolding struggling CLD learners and grade-level students, and it also provides tools for developing independent learners, who can think and self-assess. The kit includes practical scaffolds, a how-to on using Cornell Notes for engaging students prior knowledge all the way through their learning process to mastery learning and independent use of the strategy in their futures, and a review of three good performance rubrics (which students can even use as self-assessments).
Scaffolding Approaches
Cornell Notes
Performance Rubrics
Return to All Learners Page
Return to Relationship Teaching Home Page