This project looked at the notion of 'scaffolding' and sought to apply this to science learning in terms of tools that could help students develop their understanding.
The project built on notions of scaffolding tools referred to as scaffolding 'planks' and 'poles' as described in a previous project (Taber, 2002).
The project was motivated by a belief that although the term 'scaffolding' is commonly use to describe teacher actions and teaching resources, much of this use of the term does not take into account the theoretical underpinning which offers clear criteria for a successful scaffold.
Read about scaffolding learning
A small-scale enquiry was undertaken to design and test out a pair of paper 'scaffolding' tools (plank + pole) suitable for helping students who had learnt about basic Newtonian physics (e.g., at KS4/G.C.S.E. level) apply to understanding the accelerated nature of orbital motion. A number of teachers kindly volunteered to administer the materials in A level physics classes to groups of students who had not yet been taught about circular motion.
Read about scaffolding learning of circular motion
Data analysis was supported by Dr Richard Brock (now of Kings College London).
The outcomes of the study were reported in a book chapter (Taber & Brock, 2018).
This work was also described in a keynote talk prepared for the 2nd International Conference of Science Physics and Education, Physics Education Department, University of Mataram, Indonesia (Taber, 2022).
Work cited:
- Taber, K. S. (2002). Chemical Misconceptions – Prevention, Diagnosis and Cure: Theoretical background (Vol. 1). London: Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Taber, K. S., & Brock, R. (2018). A study to explore the potential of designing teaching activities to scaffold learning: understanding circular motion. In M. Abend (Ed.), Effective Teaching and Learning: Perspectives, strategies and implementation (pp. 45-85). New York: Nova Science Publishers.
- Taber, K. S. (2022) Going round and round in circles: Scaffolding learning in science, Keynote presentation for the 2nd International Conference of Science Physics and Education, Physics Education Department, University of Mataram, Indonesia.
