Research on scaffolding in the learning sciences: A methodological perspective

Abstract

Scaffolding - the titrated support provided to learners to enable them to perform what would otherwise be outside their individual achievement-has become a central target of design and research in the learning sciences. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the different theoretical approaches that have most informed research on scaffolding in the learning sciences. We further discuss the main modes of empirical learning sciences research around scaffolding. We conclude with open questions and suggestions for future research on scaffolding in the learning sciences.