{"id":18201,"date":"2022-09-21T14:09:37","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T13:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings-new\/?page_id=18201"},"modified":"2023-11-15T11:12:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T11:12:11","slug":"differentiation-and-scaffolding","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/educational-psychology\/resources\/devon-psychology-in-action\/differentiation-and-scaffolding\/","title":{"rendered":"Differentiation and scaffolding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-is-differentiation\">What is differentiation?<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#teachers-can-differentiate-through-various-ways\">Teachers can differentiate through various ways:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-is-scaffolding\">What is scaffolding?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#psychology-helps-us-to-understand-differentiation-and-scaffolding\">Psychology helps us to understand differentiation and scaffolding<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#five-fabulous-facts-about-differentiation-and-scaffolding\">Five fabulous facts about differentiation and scaffolding<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-can-you-do-to-help-top-tips\">What can you do to help? Top tips: <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"dcc-documents-cpt-fixed dccdocs-sticky dccdocs-hidden\">\r\n    <div class=\"grid-container\">\r\n        <div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x\">\r\n            <div class=\"cell medium-12\">\r\n                <a class=\"back-to-top hide-for-print\" href=\"#content\"><svg class=\"app-c-back-to-top__icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"13\" height=\"17\" viewBox=\"0 0 13 17\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.5 0L0 6.5 1.4 8l4-4v12.7h2V4l4.3 4L13 6.4z\"><\/path><\/svg> Contents<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:41.333%\"><div class=\"document-meta-acf-block clearfix \" id=\"block_3dedf7e67f8e3511ef6036724c25183e\"><div class=\" dcc-documents-meta\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget dcc-documents-widget-block\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget-box2\"><p class=\"dcc-documents-published\"><span>Published<\/span> <time datetime=\"2022-09-21T14:09:37+00:00\">21\/09\/2022 2:09pm<\/time><\/p><p class=\"dcc-documents-updated\"><span>Last Updated<\/span> <time datetime=\"2023-11-15T11:12:11+00:00\">15\/11\/2023 11:12am<\/time><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58.666%\"><div class=\"document-download-acf-block clearfix \" id=\"block_689d873970775841c2c33b2941b4910c\">\r\n\r\n\t\t<div class=\" dcc-documents-downloads hide-for-print\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget dcc-documents-widget-block\"><div class=\"dcc-documents-widget-box2\"><div class=\"content-container\"><div class=\"content-column download-copy\"><h2 class=\"dcc-documents-title\">Document resources<\/strong><\/h2><p class=\"dcc-documents-intro\">These files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"content-column download-button\"><ul class=\"dcc-documents-widget-dropdown dcc-documents-widget-menu\"><li class=\"dcc-documents-widget-is-dropdown\"><button class=\"button secondary dcc-documents-widget-noarrow dcc-documents-widget-button dcc-documents-widget-download-button\" >Download<\/button><ul id=\"\" class=\"dcc-documents-widget-vertical dcc-documents-widget-menu dcc-documents-widget-is-submenu\" data-disable-hover=\"true\" data-click-open=\"true\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/devoncc.sharepoint.com\/:b:\/s\/PublicDocs\/Education\/ETneSvJ5LNdInimm79GCfSABJQVE8JC0A4cdQjGlF3GcDg?e=NmvIhe\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"dcc-documents-widget-text\"><span>Differentiation and scaffolding (Document)<\/span><\/span><span class=\"dcc-documents-widget-size\">156KB<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-differentiation\">What is differentiation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Differentiation is any way in which you change the content, presentation, environment or expectations of teaching and learning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teachers differentiate for all ages and abilities and in all settings, whether that is mainstream or special, in mixed ability classes, streams, sets or small groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teachers plan differentiation, starting with what learners already understand. They will then include what they need to learn next, how they will achieve this, and how they will show what they have learned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"teachers-can-differentiate-through-various-ways\">Teachers can differentiate through various ways:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Task<\/strong> \u2013 linked to the class curriculum &amp; when possible, matched to the ability and interests of the learner using small steps of progression to build key skills and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support<\/strong> \u2013 from the teacher, teaching assistants, peers, individuals, small groups &amp; whole class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Delivery<\/strong> \u2013 taking into account the individual needs, strengths and experience, using concrete practical materials, demonstration, appropriate level language (modelling and questioning).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Outcome<\/strong> \u2013 ensuring it is realistic and appropriate. Using alternative methods of recording, e.g. IT, Apps, key words, Mind Maps for writing, use and valuing of verbal contributions, drawings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Assessment<\/strong> \u2013 progress is systematically monitored and reviewed. All learners are included in the plenary to consolidate knowledge and increase sense of achievement and belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-scaffolding\">What is scaffolding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Scaffolding is a form of differentiation. It is guided support given to learners which is systemically removed as they learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are six functions of scaffolding:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gaining the learner\u2019s interest in the task or skills to be mastered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showing the child where they are in relation to each step of the task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simplifying the task to a smaller number of possibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modelling the task clearly highlighting your thoughts and actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helping the child to remain interested and focussed on relevant parts of the task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting the child emotionally with the task.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"psychology-helps-us-to-understand-differentiation-and-scaffolding\">Psychology helps us to understand differentiation and scaffolding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"longdesc-return-18202\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings?longdesc=18202&#038;referrer=18201\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-300x300.png\" alt=\"Illustration of the Zone of Proximal Development\" class=\"wp-image-18202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-440x440.png 440w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-640x640.png 640w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-470x470.png 470w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15-270x270.png 270w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/166\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-15.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u2018Zone of Proximal Development\u2019 refers to the difference between what a learner can do themselves and what they can achieve working with a more knowledgeable peer or adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scaffolding Theory suggested that when children start to learn new concepts they need help from others, as they become more independent the support can be gradually faded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing when to step away to encourage a child to work independently is important. Reducing support appropriately will increase the learner\u2019s ability and confidence to learn independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"five-fabulous-facts-about-differentiation-and-scaffolding\">Five fabulous facts about differentiation and scaffolding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mastery teaching involves differentiation.<\/strong> Learners struggling to grasp concepts need to be quickly identified and provided with support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Differentiation isn\u2019t always time-consuming.<\/strong> Knowing the pupils\u2019 needs well and adjusting teaching in the moment through is very effective.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ability grouping is not generally effective.<\/strong> Research suggests that ability groupings can negatively impact lower attaining learners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Even meerkats use scaffolding!<\/strong> Initially pups are given a dead scorpion with their stinger detached, then a dead scorpion with their stinger attached, before finally the pups are given a live scorpion to negotiate!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Differentiation helps learners to understand diversity and inclusion.<\/strong> Everyone has different strengths and needs and all are equally valued.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-can-you-do-to-help-top-tips\">What can you do to help? Top tips: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learners need support from adults that they can trust who offer understanding and patience. This allows them to feel able to take risks with their learning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents\u2019 knowledge of their child is invaluable and needs to be included in a meaningful way to support progress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Differentiating homework as well is important to reduce stress for both parents and learners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For more information, see: NASEN \u2013 Differentiation, why and how \u2013 <a href=\"http:\/\/nasen.org.uk\/resources\/differentiation\" rel=\"noopener\">nasen.org.uk\/resources\/differentiation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is differentiation? Teachers can differentiate through various ways: Task \u2013 linked to the class curriculum &amp; when possible, matched to the ability and interests [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2471,"featured_media":0,"parent":18176,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"longdocument-template.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-18201","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"updated":"","dccdocs_documents":null,"section-guidance":"","sections":null},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-20 14:35:23","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2471"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18201"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18201\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23437,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18201\/revisions\/23437"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18176"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}