Najihah Syairah Binti Zabiddin (TESL 1, SEM5, 2015)

According to Vygotsky, scaffolding is an important practice for teachers in order to make

pupils independent in their learning. Explain with examples.

According to Vygotsky, scaffolding is a term used to describe a method of

teaching that involves providing resources and support to students as they learn new
concept. As the students develop skills in those areas, the supports are gradually
removed so the students can accomplish a task independently, without assistance.
Scaffolding is an important practice for teacher in order to make students
independent in their learning. This is because, in the process of scaffolding, the teacher
models or demonstrate the problem solving process, then step back and offer support
when needed. For example, a teacher begins teaching at the level at which students
understand, and then she builds on that understanding. After that, she presents the
problem and thinks aloud as she goes about solving it. When understanding is appears
to be achieved, she fades and allows students to work independently; offering support
as needed.
In the process of scaffolding, the teacher also helps the students master a task
that they unable to grasp independently. Such for example, when students are not
understand the content and give the wrong answer when answering the questions, the
teacher should correct the correction but reinforced positively. This is because, students
errors are expected. With the teacher help and feedback, the students are able to
complete their task and understand the lesson. Then, the teacher begins the process of
fading which is gradual removal of the scaffolding and which allow the students to work
independently. That is why scaffolding is an important practice as it motivates the
students to learn eventhough they make mistakes.
In conclusion, scaffolding is actually a bridge used to build upon what students
already know to arrive at something they do not know. As a teacher, we should practice
this technique in order to improve students comprehension and make them independent
in their learning.