Teaching Assistant

Scaffolding for Success: Supporting Pupil Independence as a TA

This professional development course aims to equip teaching assistants (TAs) with the skills to effectively implement scaffolding techniques to foster learner independence. It will explore the theoretical basis of scaffolding, including strategies for its intentional fading to avoid over-reliance on adult support. The modules promote self-reflection, goal-setting and the continuous development of effective strategies to encourage independence.
Write your awesome label here.

Megan Wilson, Fiona Roberts & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand the concept of scaffolding, including its theoretical foundations;
explore The Scaffolding Framework to provide a graduated approach to support, including prompting, clueing and modelling;
learn strategies for ‘intentional fading’ to gradually withdraw support and prevent the development of ‘learned helplessness’ in pupils;
apply metacognitive scaffolding techniques that empower learners to plan, monitor and evaluate their own thinking and learning processes;
reflect on and adapt scaffolding approaches to meet the diverse needs of all learners, promoting independence.

Course Lessons

Written by: Megan Wilson

Empty space, drag to resize
Megan is a Content Writer and Editor on the CPD team at Twinkl. She is an experienced former classroom teacher and subject leader. She holds a First Class Honours Undergraduate Degree in Primary Education (5-11) with QTS and a National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML). During her time as a classroom teacher, Megan led the development of multiple curriculum areas, serving as subject lead for computing, online safety, maths and science. 

Presented by:  Fiona Roberts

Empty space, drag to resize
Fiona Roberts is a Video Content Creator (VCC) for the Twinkl CPD team. She has over 10 years experience as a primary school teacher and private tutor. Before completing her PGDE, Fiona also achieved an MA(Hons) in Film and Television Studies. She has previously supported the development of her school’s English curriculum and is particularly passionate about this subject. Fiona has also thoroughly enjoyed acting as a mentor to trainee teachers and Early Career Teachers (ECTs) during her time in the classroom.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.