Scaffolding for success: Strategies to support EAL learners

This course supports teachers in making learning accessible, equitable, and ambitious for EAL pupils through effective scaffolding. It explores how targeted support can boost learner's engagement, language development, and independence in mainstream classrooms. Teachers will unpack the theory behind scaffolding, examining the space between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. The course demonstrates how carefully structured support can be gradually withdrawn as learners gain confidence and control over their own learning. Key themes include: - Understanding the principles and purpose of scaffolding. - Exploring verbal, visual, procedural, and collaborative strategies. - Embedding scaffolding into lesson planning and classroom delivery. - Recognising when and how to adjust the level of support. - Building learner autonomy through phased guidance. Course outcome: Through adaptive quizzes, reflection points, and interactive tasks, teachers will apply research-informed techniques to real classroom contexts. By the end of the course, they will be able to identify where scaffolding is needed, choose the right approach for each learner, and support the gradual development of independence and confidence.