What examples of scaffolding can you recall from your recent learning?

Tomboy knitting was taught recently as part of a work unit on Australiana, history, wool and knitting.
To scaffold successfully, students were motivated to learn and make their own tomboys by firstly
being shown some uses of their final piece. Some had their own tomboy, and used successfully, by
past use and practice. Others were given cardboard tubes, with paddle pop sticks around the
outside and some wooden tomboys with small nails. Scaffolding involved, simplifying several of the
wooden tomboys, by removing the nails many children were not able to cope with the small nails,
often dropping stitches, leading to frustration and loss of interest in the task. Paddle pop sticks were
attached in place of the nails, making the task much simpler and enjoyable for all, until they were
able to progress to the proper tomboys.Scaffolding continued with other students/teacher able to
assist when some students started to lose interest as they were not able to continue as fast as
others. Scaffolding also involved problem solving some in groups, and some individually, for
example when stitches were dropped, and students were able to change to a new colour after each
one had reached one metre in length. This continued throughout until students were able to
achieve results on their own.

What is the ZPD?

ZPD = zone of proximal development. Created by psychologist Vygotsky, ZPDrefers to the variation
between what a learner is able to do without receiving help, and what a learner can do or achieve
with help. When a child learns, they begin by duplicating the example given by an adult, however,
through education and learning, they are able to perform other difficult tasks, without requiring the
help from adults. This variation is known as the ZPD. (Coffey, 2008), states that scaffolding is an
instructional technique, associated with the zone of proximal development, in which a teacher
provides individualized support by incrementally improving a learners ability to build on prior
knowledge.

What is egocentric speech?

Egocentric speech is known as ones own self talk or private speech and opinions being considered
correct regardless of opinions or points of view from others around them. People who use this
speech, assume other peoples perceptions, feeling and thoughts are the same as theirs. Young
children do not possess the skills to discriminate between what should be kept to ones self, or
available for others to hear, however this self-directed speech helps them to guide their own
thinking and behaviour.

When do you use private speech?

I often use private speech as a means of problem solving, whether it be studying; cooking; general
day to day decisions and rationalising those decisions; and for self-behaviour, for example if needing
to deal with an extremely difficult customer in my current workplace. (obviously not in front of a
customer though).

Does it have a self-guiding function for you?

I believe private speech does have a self-guiding function for me sometimes self-talk helps me to
stay motivated; get back on task; self-justification for decisions made; and to stop procrastinating.
Its amazing what answers one can find with private speech.

Track the way self esteem changes in structure and level from early childhood to
adolescence.
(Berk, 2008 p 456), states that although there are self-esteem milestones that represent overall
ages, differences are evident in individuals, relating to the age that those milestones are reached. In
general, the structure is:
Age 1-2 years
toddlers show delight when mastering skills, and show

understanding of the evaluation displayed by adults

children engage in self-evaluation, are developing socially and friendships
and understand causes of feelings. High self-esteem is present.
Age 6-10 years
Self-esteem can fluctuate between low and high, as children compare
themselves to those of similar ages around them. Thinking is more involved
particularly in areas of self-evaluation academically, socially, and physically.
Age 11 years-adulthood Romance; close friendships and employment become reality. Some in this
age range may question their identity or role in society. Providing all
avenues of self surroundings are met, self-esteem may continue to rise.
Age 3-5 years

What personal and contextual factors promote identity development?

Identity development is established through values, belief and goals held by each person. A positive
self-identity is important towards this development. Personal and related factors that may promote
identity development include sexual orientation, vocation, religious, political and other world
views, (Berk 2003, p 457), and considers culture, traditions, and values.Children, who have a higher
self-esteem, are often more successful in critical thinking, moral reasoning and more comfortable in
their own self view between their ideal self and their real self.

How important is the family and school in this process?

Both family and school are extremely important in the process of promoting identity development.
Children benefit hugely, from emotional support in both family and school environments, although
sadly, this is often not given in many families. Schools support identity development through a
variety of opportunities for children to explore and grow, and will assist in meeting the social,
emotional, moral and spiritual development of students
Discuss how heredity and environment jointly contribute to persistent aggression?
Persistent aggression often occurs as a result of heredity and environment jointly contributions. If a
child grows up in an environment that models aggressive behaviour, lack of appropriate parenting
skills and even through various forms of abuse, children learn to model this behaviour as a way to
cope, believing it is the way to solve their issues through aggression. They are often not exposed to
more socially acceptable methods of problem solving, and resort to aggressive behaviour to
Berk, Laura E. (2003).Child development. 6th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.
Coffey, Heather.(2008). Scaffolding. Retrieved July 28, 2012 from
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/5074