Scaffolding vs. Differentiation in Instruction

SCAFFOLDING VS DIFFERENTIATION

When it comes to teaching and instructional strategies, two commonly used terms are scaffolding and differentiation. While both are aimed at supporting students’ learning, they serve distinct purposes and are implemented in different ways. Let’s delve into the details of each to better understand their applications and benefits.


Scaffolding in Instruction

Scaffolding refers to the support provided to students as they work towards mastering a new concept or skill. It involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and providing guidance and assistance along the way. The goal of scaffolding is to help students build on their existing knowledge and skills to reach a higher level of understanding.

When scaffolding instruction students all start in the same place at relatively the same time. There is a choice in which direction to go to reach the goal, but everyone starts at square one before moving forward.

Benefits of Scaffolding

There are many benefits to scaffolding instruction, but these are a few of my favorites.

  • Scaffolding helps students tackle challenging tasks by providing necessary support but without stigma because everyone has started together.
  • Scaffolding encourages independence and self-regulation as students gradually take on more responsibility.
  • Scaffolding fosters a deeper understanding of concepts by guiding students through the learning process and making them teachers to each other as they go along.
  • There’s no need to group by ability when scaffolding instruction because everyone learns together.

Practical Example of Scaffolding Instruction

In a math class, a teacher might use scaffolding by first demonstrating how to solve a problem step by step. Then, they could work through a similar problem together with the students before gradually allowing them to solve similar problems independently.

 

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Differentiation in Instruction

Differentiation involves tailoring instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students in the classroom. It recognizes that students have varying strengths, interests, and learning styles and aims to provide multiple pathways for them to achieve learning objectives. Differentiation can take various forms, such as adjusting content, process, or product to suit individual student needs.

Benefits of Differentiation

  • Differentiation allows for personalized learning experiences that cater to students’ unique abilities and interests.
  • Differentiation promotes inclusivity by accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences.
  • Differentiation encourages student engagement and motivation by making learning relevant and accessible to all.

Practical Example of Differentiation

In an English class, a teacher might differentiate instruction by offering students a choice of reading materials based on their interests and reading levels. They could also provide alternative assessment options, such as written essays or oral presentations, to accommodate different learning preferences.

When to Use Scaffolding vs. Differentiation

When to Use Scaffolding

Use scaffolding when introducing new and challenging concepts or skills that students may struggle to grasp independently. It is particularly useful when students need additional support to build on their existing knowledge. If you have students who need quick wins, scaffolding is the way to go because all children can be successful.

When to Use Differentiation

Use differentiation when addressing the diverse needs of students in the classroom, ensuring that each student has opportunities to succeed at their own pace and level. Differentiation allows for customization based on individual student strengths and preferences.


While scaffolding focuses on providing structured support to help students achieve specific learning goals, differentiation emphasizes flexibility and customization to meet the individual needs of learners. By understanding the differences between scaffolding and differentiation, teachers can effectively tailor their instructional strategies to create engaging and inclusive learning environments for all students. Both methods give students the ability to make choices to varying degrees, which helps them to develop self-confidence and a feeling of control over their learning.

Ultimately, lifelong learners are created when we help develop students who feel in control and empowered to make decisions about their education.

 

 

 

 

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