Scaffolding as a Tool for Environmental Education in Early Childhood
| Title: | Scaffolding as a Tool for Environmental Education in Early Childhood |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Zurek, Alex, Torquati, Julia, Acar, Ibrahim |
| Source: | International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education. 2014 2(1):27-57. |
| Availability: | North American Association for Environmnental Education. 2000 P Street NW Suite 540, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-419-0412; Web site: https://naaee.org/eepro/resources/international-journal-early-childhood-environmental-education-ijecee |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 31 |
| Publication Date: | 2014 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: | Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, Observation, Natural Resources, Preschool Education, Qualitative Research, Teaching Methods, Instructional Effectiveness, Case Studies |
| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
| Abstract: | This paper describes the process of "scaffolding" as a teaching strategy in early childhood education, and demonstrates how scaffolding can promote children's learning about the natural environment. Examples of scaffolding are provided from seventy-four running record observations made over a two-year period in a nature-based preschool program. Qualitative analysis examined the extent to which scaffolding was used to support children's learning about nature; the types of scaffolding strategies used by teachers; whether high- and low-support strategies were used in specific types of situations; the effectiveness of scaffolding; and what children learned when teachers engaged them in scaffolding. Examples illustrate specific pedagogical strategies used in scaffolding. Scaffolding was used relatively frequently within the program (21% of events analyzed), and inferential questioning was the most frequently used strategy. Analysis did not reveal a pattern of high- or low-support strategies used in specific types of situations, but teachers flexibly used a variety of scaffolding strategies to support children's learning about the natural environment. Preparation of physical and social environments for effective scaffolding is discussed, as well as the role of scaffolding in socializing children to engage in a culture of inquiry. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 66 |
| Entry Date: | 2016 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1108033 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
|---|---|
| Published in: | International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education |
| Language: | English |