TEACHING WRITING TO SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS.

In education, scaffolding is a teaching method where teachers help students complete
tasks just beyond the point that they could achieve by themselves. It was theorized that
children learn best when an adult helps them expand upon what they already know and can
do. It was birthed the concept of a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) the area between
what is known and unknown where students can achieve a task with guidance from a
knowledgeable teacher. Over time, teachers gradually reduce support until the students can
do the task themselves. Scaffolding your instruction is key to the success of all students
especially English learning learners. When you make connections to what students already
know, learning becomes more meaningful.