SCAFFOLDING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IN THE PRIMARY GRADES ( DAVIDSON FILMS )

Two very different philosophies of education have dominated teacher training in this century: Teacher directed, whole group learning with its emphasis on subject matter has been in opposition to the discovery method with its emphasis on active child learning. Sensitive teachers of both persuasions have felt frustrated at the level of learning generated by adherence to these methods. The work of Lev Vygotsky offers a new synthesis of these philosophies that overcomes many problems of single perspective approaches. This video provides examples of how learning can be structured so children are active learners while teachers use their superior knowledge base to meaningfully guide learning. Three essential elements of scaffolding are explained and demonstrated as children in urban classrooms become literate and ever more responsible for their weekly learning plans. With Deborah Leong, Ph.D. and Elena Bodrova, Ph.D. This is a short clip from the film. Furthe rinformation is available at www.davidsonfilms.com