Writing material for educational courses

Principle 4Scaffold explanations

Glenn MartinMarch 2017

Principle 4 Ensure that explanations are scaffolded

appropriately for the student cohort.

The concept of scaffolding The concept of scaffolding is

that the materials provide sufficient explanation and assistance to enable students to acquire concepts or perform tasks.

As much as is needed Students should receive as much or as

little support for learning as they need. Don’t explain things your audience already

knows. Don’t explain things your

audience doesn’t need to know.

Progression The materials should exhibit a

progression – scaffolding is provided in the earlier stages, , and students are gradually given more autonomy (removing the scaffolding) as they gain confidence.

Good structureAppropriate scaffolding is created firstly through good structure – breaking the course materials into logical sections, giving clear descriptive headings to sections, topics and sub-topics. This helps students to plan their work, and allows them to skim over topics they already know.

Chunks Break material down into

chunks – the idea of a chunk is that it is to some extent a standalone piece – a concept or a step, for example.

Each new topic Each new topic or section, should begin

with an overview of the material, including structure, learning outcomes and estimated study time.

At the end of each topic or section, a summary ensures that students have identified the key points.

Explanations

Explanations should show knowledge of the field and evidence of some research.

Paragraphs should be clearly organised and logically sequenced.

Visuals should contribute to understanding of the text.

Language Language should introduce technical

words appropriately and address students directly.

Zone of proximal development Explanations target the “zone of proximal

development” of your students, which is “the distance between what students can do by themselves and the next learning they can be helped to achieve with competent assistance.” • - Eileen Richmond