Chapter 3 Scaffolding & Cooperative Learning Both major teaching
techniques topics, scaffolding and cooperative learning, have
been shown to be effective for developing students' higher level
thinking strategies and abilities to work independently. Some
cooperative learning techniques were presented in earlier in
this text. Reciprocal teaching for reading comprehension was
discussed in chapter 2 while the 6PQ method of discovery
learning, pair problem solving and I DREAM of A are discussed in
chapters 3, 4 and 10. Teachers can aid intellectual development
in students by providing them with information and temporary
support which can be gradually decreased as the students'
competence increases. The goal of providing scaffolds is for
students to become independent, self-regulated thinkers who are
more self sufficient and less teacher dependent. Using a
scaffolding approach in teaching is comparable to the
scaffolding of a building which is gradually removed as its
structure becomes better able to support its ow