1. Scaffolding in the WebQuest

2. Scaffolding
an instructional technique whereby the teacher models the desired learning strategy or task, then gradually shifts responsibility to the students
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
“Vygotsky (1978) maintained the child follows the adult's example and gradually develops the ability to do certain tasks without help or assistance. He called the difference between what a child can do with help and what he or she can do without guidance the "zone of proximal development" (ZPD). “
Sources: NCREL retrieved at

3. ZPD: a child can do with help; scaffolding activities
A child can do without any guidance
A child cannot do anything as the problems are beyond the child’s ability

4. Scaffolding the Process
To keep students on task
Task definition: Teachers explain to the students exactly what they are supposed to do; or not so much so exactly
Teachers direct them to specific resources; or not so specific
Direct or indirect instructions
Sequence of procedures; or omit some
Provision of materials, equipment and facilities
Other help files, graphic organizers, templates, and other forms of scaffolding ….
How much guidance shall we give to our students (in a project)?

5. Modes of scaffolding Scaffolding Teacher does Students watch
help
Students do
Teacher
helps
Students do
Teacher
watches

6. Resource: Thinking Visually with WebQuests

7. Reception scaffolds (input)
Information searching
access and manage information found in print and digital resources,
Identify and use proper information (facts or opinion; 1st hand or 2nd hand)
Data collection
Interviews
Survey
Video recording
Visits; field trips..

8. Transformation scaffolds (information processing)
Synthesis
Finding patterns
Analysis
Statistical tools
Evaluation
Value judgement

9. Production scaffolds (output)
Report writing
Oral presentation
Organizing exhibition
Class debate
Posters; models; Websites;

10. Scaffolding the model Full model Introduction (title/topic) Task
Process (information sources)
Evaluation
Conclusion

11. Scaffolding the model …
Introduction (title/topic)
Task
Process (information sources)
Evaluation
Conclusion
Common project learning

12. Scaffolding the model …
Introduction (title/topic)
Task
Process (information sources)
Evaluation
Conclusion

13. Scaffolding the model …
Introduction (title/topic)
Task
Process (information sources)
Evaluation
Conclusion

14. Scaffolding the model …
Introduction (title/topic)
Task
Process (information sources)
Evaluation
Conclusion
What is it?