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Blog Post 1 : Element 8 of Authentic Learning


Task: Herrington et al (2010) outlines 9 elements of Authentic learning environments. You will be paired to tackle one element per pair. Using both the reading and carefully watching Harrington's video for the specific element on http://authenticlearning.info/AuthenticLearning/Home.html For each element (teach the class - you will choose how you do this but to be shared on the Padlet):
a). Discuss the element in your own words
b). Drawing from your own context/discipline, develop a detailed example of how the element can be achieved.

Prepared By: Oluwaseun Oyekola and Nathan Joseph
Date: 23 April 2020

Element 8: Provide coaching and scaffolding by the teacher at critical times

Scaffolding & Coaching
Coaching refers to a role whereby one (teacher or able learner) supports or guides learners instead of giving instructions which is the traditional approach of teaching and learning. Coaching consists of observing students while they carry out a task and offering hints, scaffolding, feedback, modelling, reminders, and new tasks aimed at bringing their performance closer to expert performance. Coaching may serve to direct students’ attention to a previously unnoticed aspect of the task or simply to remind the student of some aspect of the task that is known but has been temporarily overlooked. The content of the coaching interaction is immediately related to specific events or problems that arise as the student attempts to accomplish the target task. Scaffolding involves the gradual removal of supports until students are on their own. This assists the learners to develop HOTS. These supports can take the form of either suggestions or questions. In scaffolding the teacher aids the learner in executing parts of the task that the student cannot yet manage. A requisite to such scaffolding is accurate diagnosis of the student’s current skill level or difficulty and the availability of an intermediate step at the appropriate level of difficulty in carrying out the target activity. Instructional scaffolding as a learning theory identifies the importance of providing students with enough support in the initial stages of learning a new subject. A 'scaffold' ensures that students are not left to their own devices to understand something. The support, or scaffold, is removed when the student is ready.

Using this element, a collaborative partnership is established, and the two parties become co-creators of contents. Transmission of knowledge is avoided. Interactions are encouraged between the learner and the teacher. The teacher further mediates an interaction between the learner and contents. A learner-learner interaction can also take place through peer collaboration.

Further, coaching and scaffolding encourage interactions with students to occur mainly at the metacognitive level (Savery & Duffy, 1996).


Examples
Example of Coaching: Observe students during practical sessions. After observing, provide feedback on which aspects of practice could be improved and how.
Example of Scaffolding: Be aware of students' previous experiences and offer sufficient opportunity for independent activities. Aid when activities seem particularly difficult for the student(s). Gradually reduce support for certain activities so that the student(s) can become more independent.

Examples in Context:
Using technology ICT tools to create opportunities for communication and collaboration, for example: Visual presentations (Powerpoints /Google slides, Piktochart / Visme Infographic, Video Clip/You-Tube Video etc.). These tools assist learners to connect abstract concepts with real-world applications.
  • Using Microsoft Word tools such as track changes when students submit their theses or reports
  • Using tutors and teaching assistant
Source: Herrington, J., Reeves, T.C. and Oliver, R. (2010) A Guide to Authentic eLearning.

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