Exploring scaffolding in promoting ESL education

Abstract

This paper reviews the theoretical framework of Scaffolding, including scaffolding, the zone of proximal development (ZPD), ‘designed-in’ scaffolding and ‘point-of-need’ scaffolding. By analyzing scaffolding theory, the researcher tries to find out how scaffolding theories can be used to promote ESL education. There are several types of pedagogy implications:1) attention to task sequence;2) make shifts between participants structure;3) use for semiotic system and planning for ‘Message Abundancy’;4) cued elicitation and increased prospectiveness. This paper contributes to the practical experience for ESL teachers and also enriches scaffolding paradigm like a means further by elucidating educational implications.