This course is FREE with an Online Subscription

Course Description

Learn how to scaffold learning effectively without creating dependence. This course helps primary teachers develop practical strategies that support student thinking, resilience, and independence while maintaining high levels of challenge and engagement. 



Audience

Primary Teachers


Teaching Standards

3.3.2 Proficient Level - Plan for and implement Effective Teaching and Learning - Use teaching strategies:  Select and use relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking

1.2.2 Proficient Level - Know students and how they learn - Understand how students learn: Structure teaching programs using research and collegial advice about how students learn




FREE with  Online Subscription

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Welcome

    • Acknowledgement of Country

    • Learning Objectives

    • Teaching Standards

  • 2

    Module 1: Why Students Become Dependent on Teacher Support

    • Introduction

    • Quick Retrieval Activity

    • What is Scaffolding?

    • When Scaffolding Becomes Spoon-Feeding

    • Why Does Student Dependence Develop?

    • The Hidden Costs of Over-Helping

    • Reflection Question

    • Resources

    • Application Activity
  • 3

    Module 2 – Recognising Productive Struggle

    • Introduction

    • Why Struggle Matters

    • What is Productive Struggle?

    • Productive Struggle vs Genuine Confusion

    • Genuine Confusion

    • The Temptation to Rescue Students

    • Productive Struggle Across Learning Areas

    • Building Resilience Through Challenge

    • Reflection Question

    • Activity: Classroom Scenario Analysis

    • Resources

    • Application Activity
  • 4

    Module 3 – Scaffolds That Support Thinking

    • Introduction

    • What Makes a Scaffold Effective?

    • Visual Scaffolds

    • Sentence Stems

    • Worked Examples

    • Graphic Organisers

    • Scaffolds That Support Thinking vs Scaffolds That Replace Thinking

    • Case Study: When Support Becomes Dependence

    • Teacher Activity: Case Study Analysis

    • Example: One Possible Approach

    • Reflection Question

    • Resources

    • Application Activity
  • 5

    Module 4 - Moving from "I Can't" to "I Can"

    • Introduction

    • Why Confidence Matters

    • The Power of Teacher Language

    • Encouraging a Growth Mindset

    • Supporting Risk-Taking

    • Building Effective Help-Seeking Behaviours

    • Developing Self-Monitoring Skills

    • Confidence Through Competence

    • Case Study: Building Independence Through Language

    • Reflection Question

    • Resources

    • Application Activity
  • 6

    Module 5 – Gradually Removing Support

    • Introduction

    • Why Support Needs to Change Over Time

    • From Supported Learning to Independent Application

    • What is Adaptive Scaffolding?

    • Recognising Readiness for Greater Independence

    • Using Formative Assessment to Guide Support Decisions

    • Supporting Transfer of Learning

    • Increasing Complexity While Reducing Support

    • Case Study: Adjusting Support in a Mathematics Unit

    • Reflection Question

    • Resources

    • Application Activity
  • 7

    Module 6 – Creating an Independent Classroom Culture

    • Introduction

    • What Does an Independent Classroom Look Like?

    • The Messages We Send

    • Establishing Help-Seeking Protocols

    • Building Effective Peer Support

    • Creating Independence Routines

    • Celebrating Persistence, Not Just Achievement

    • Case Study: Building Independence in a Year 2 Classroom

    • Reflection Question

    • Resource

    • Resource: 4-Week Implementation Plan

    • Wrap up

    • Reference List
  • 8

    Course Feedback

    • Course Feedback

Other Courses by TTA

Features of TTA Online PD

  • Availability

    Online courses are available 24/7. Designed to be done in your own time at your own pace.

  • Money back Guarantee

    If you complete less than 25% of an online course and aren't completely satisfied, let us know, and we will cancel your enrolment and provide a full refund.