Importance of Instructional Scaffolding in English Language Learners (ELL)

Author: Tiffani Leilah

Instructional scaffolding is a widely used approach in education that helps English Language Learners (ELLs) to learn new concepts and develop language proficiency. The purpose of instructional scaffolding is to support students in their learning process by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. In this article, we will explore the importance of instructional scaffolding in ELL education and how it can help students to develop their language skills.

What is instructional scaffolding?

Instructional scaffolding is an approach that helps ELL students to learn new concepts and language skills by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach provides students with the support and guidance they need to understand and complete tasks successfully. Instructional scaffolding can take many different forms, including visual aids, graphic organizers, guided reading and writing, and sentence frames.

Why is instructional scaffolding important in ELL education?

ELL students often struggle with language proficiency and may have difficulty understanding complex concepts. Instructional scaffolding provides them with the support and guidance they need to understand and master new concepts.

The following are the reasons why instructional scaffolding is essential in ELL education:

  1. Supports language development

Instructional scaffolding helps ELL students to develop their language skills by breaking down complex language structures into simpler, more manageable steps. By providing visual aids and sentence frames, students can better understand how to use the language in context.

  1. Helps to build confidence

ELL students may feel overwhelmed and frustrated when they cannot understand or communicate effectively. Instructional scaffolding provides them with the support and guidance they need to develop their language skills, which can boost their confidence and motivation to learn.

  1. Supports academic achievement

Instructional scaffolding helps ELL students to understand and master complex academic concepts, which can support their academic achievement. By breaking down complex tasks into simpler steps, students can better understand how to complete tasks successfully.

  1. Promotes critical thinking skills

Instructional scaffolding can help ELL students to develop critical thinking skills by providing them with the support and guidance they need to understand and analyze complex concepts. By breaking down tasks into smaller steps, students can better understand how to analyze and evaluate information effectively.

  1. Supports cultural understanding

Instructional scaffolding can help ELL students to understand and appreciate different cultures. By providing visual aids and graphic organizers that reflect diverse cultural perspectives, students can better understand and appreciate different ways of thinking and communicating.

Examples of instructional scaffolding in ELL education

There are many different forms of instructional scaffolding that can be used in ELL education. The following are examples of instructional scaffolding techniques that can support ELL students:

  1. Visual aids: Visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, and charts can help ELL students to understand complex concepts by providing a visual representation of the information.

  2. Sentence frames: Sentence frames provide students with a structured framework to help them build sentences correctly. They can help ELL students to develop their language skills by providing them with the support and guidance they need to communicate effectively.

  3. Graphic organizers: Graphic organizers can help ELL students to organize and analyze information effectively. By providing a visual representation of the information, graphic organizers can help students to better understand and remember the information.

  4. Guided reading and writing: Guided reading and writing can help ELL students to develop their language skills by providing them with structured support as they read and write. By breaking down the reading and writing process into smaller steps, students can better understand how to read and write effectively.

How does a Student Information System like openSIS handle instructional scaffolding?

openSIS offers extensive student management capabilities with ELL student identifiers. It also offers robust lesson plan management features. Teachers can create individual lesson plan libraries with micro lessons consisting of scaffoldings.

Within lessons, the teacher prepares and plans the organization of content in such a way that each new piece of information builds on the previous piece. Where appropriate, the presentation of content is integrated with other content areas, other lessons, and/or units.

These lesson plans are then attached to each calendar day and it becomes part of the curriculum for the day. Parents and administrators have full visibility into the student’s differentiated learning.

In conclusion, instructional scaffolding is a critical approach that supports ELL students in their learning process. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, students can better understand and master new concepts without getting overwhelmed.