Modelling and scaffolding for students with SEND

“All students need cognitive support to help them problem solve, answer academic questions, and access the curriculum independently. This course will look at two teaching strategies in detail – modelling and scaffolding, and consider how teachers can coach their students to become independent learners, with specific advice for supporting Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) students in the classroom.

Learning outcomes

• You will understand different theories relevant to modelling and scaffolding, such as Albert Bandura’s social learning theory and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
• You will know the different types of modelling and the importance of scaffolding and modelling, especially for students with SEND
• You will gain confidence in using these strategies successfully in the classroom

Advantages of this course

• For pupils with additional needs, they’re often not equipped with the same educational experiences as their peers. Modelling learning tasks in a simple and manageable way and providing scaffolds in lessons can increase SEND students’ engagement, confidence, and independence. This course will provide a number of different practical strategies and academic readings on modelling and scaffolding to enable you to support your SEND students in the classroom.
• Websites, research, and video resources are utilised to explain modelling and scaffolding, and a good practice video demonstrates how to use a ‘think aloud’ to support problem solving
• Additional activities encourage you to reflect on the learning and underpin the knowledge you have gained
• There is also suggested extra reading that gives both practical information and links to websites to expand knowledge”