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Boise State Standard 10.1: Course provides structure to scaffold activities. (Very Important)

Boise State Standard 10.1: Course provides structure to scaffold activities. (Very Important)

Scaffolding in education refers to the support given to students that helps them move toward a stronger understanding and greater independence in the learning process. It helps break down complex concepts into more manageable parts, making it easier for students to understand and master each component as the semester or the course progresses. Not all students learn at the same pace or in the same way. Scaffolding ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can achieve the learning objectives and that you as an instructor have the opportunity to provide timely feedback that can be immediately applied to improve performance. As the tasks seem more attainable, it can boost students' confidence in their abilities and increase their motivation to engage with the material.

Refresh Your Course

General Suggestions

  • Activities are spaced out through the week or unit (e.g., M/W/F or W/Sat).

  • The course has a pattern learners can acclimate to.

  • Includes mechanisms to ensure students are meeting course requirements each week (e.g., time estimates for activities to support planning; Weekly schedule or Checklist).

  • Introductions and explanations of current or upcoming activities are available to help learners understand the course structure or plan their work (e.g., "Look ahead" sections).

Faculty Development Opportunities

eCampus Faculty Development offers several professional development events that can be registered for in CampusGroups. Some specific recommendations that can assist in learning more about this subject include:

  • Crafting Your Online Course in Canvas

Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)/How this standard supports RSI

  • Indirect impact: Effective scaffolding allows time for feedback from the instructor so that changes can be made.

Related Resources