Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Practice Test 2025 - Free TESOL Practice Questions and Study Guide

Scaffolding in language instruction involves providing temporary support to learners, which allows them to grasp concepts and skills before they are able to perform tasks independently. This approach acknowledges that learners may initially struggle with new language elements and requires guidance to build their understanding. The idea is to gradually remove this support as learners become more competent and confident, thereby empowering them to take ownership of their learning.

Effective scaffolding can take various forms, such as modeling an activity, using visual aids, or breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This method is particularly beneficial in language instruction because it accommodates varying levels of proficiency and helps learners build on their existing knowledge incrementally.

In contrast, randomly assigning tasks to learners does not facilitate structured learning, and focusing solely on the fundamentals of grammar neglects the importance of practical application and fluency. Additionally, providing unlimited resources from the outset may overwhelm learners, as they would not yet have the ability to discern what is relevant or necessary for their learning, potentially hindering their progression. Scaffolding ensures that support is strategically implemented for effective learning outcomes.