The Role of an Adult in Scaffolding Learning Through Play

by

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Research Questions2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Government Strategies to Promote Learning through Play3

The Implications of Scaffolding Learning Through Play4

The Role of the Adult in Scaffolding Play6

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY8

Research Design and Process8

Data Collection Method9

REFERENCES11

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

This research project will focus on 'The role of an adult in scaffolding learning through play'. The researcher aims to explore strategies used by practitioners to promote learning through play, as well as the practitioner's views on the implications of scaffolding learning through play. In addition, the practitioners view on the importance of the adult's role in scaffolding learning through play will be considered.

Early childhood educators, researchers, and scholars have long acknowledged play as an important contributor to children's learning (Fleer, 1999; Vygotsky, 1978). Its role is considered significant in enabling children to learn to think, move, speak, and imagine (Cohen, 2006: 21). Play is also recognised as a primary contributor to the emotional and social development of children (Corsaro, 1997: 45). Adults can offer support, sometimes described as “scaffolding”, for the child's learning and development. The adult provides a structure or series of steps for the child to explore a new experience successfully, and add to his/her learning. The key for the adult is to know how to provide steps which are small enough for the child to gain success, but challenging enough to motivate and take the child's learning forward.

I have chosen 'The role of an adult in scaffolding learning through play' as my main focus, because I hope to develop a greater understanding of how play can positively affect a child's development. Additionally, scaffolding appeals to me because I think it is crucial for practitioners to assist children with their learning, but at the same time challenge their limits. Therefore, I hope to familiarise myself with strategies used for scaffolding a child's learning, so that I can improve my professional practice.

The next part describes the research questions of the study, followed by the literature review. The research approach is explained in the next chapter followed by the presentation and discussion of findings obtained from the research approach mentioned in chapter three. The last section of the study will provide conclusion and implication for future practice.

Research Questions

The study will answer the following research questions:

What are the practitioner's views on the implications of scaffolding learning through play?

Explore the importance of the adult's role in scaffolding learning through play, in the opinion of the practitioner

Explore strategies used by practitioners to promote learning through play

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review will highlight the following themes: government strategies to promote learning through play, the value of play, the implications of scaffolding learning through play, and adults' role in scaffolding learning and zone of proximal development.

Government Strategies to Promote Learning through Play

UK government has been implementing various strategies in order to improve the development of child in its early age. One of these strategies is promoting learning through ...