How do you use feedback and scaffolding to support learner engagement and reduce cognitive load?

1 What is feedback and why is it important?

Feedback is any information that helps learners assess their performance, progress, and understanding of a learning goal. Feedback can be positive, negative, or neutral, and it can come from various sources, such as instructors, peers, self, or technology. Feedback is important because it helps learners identify their strengths and weaknesses, correct their errors, improve their skills, and adjust their strategies. Feedback also enhances learner engagement by increasing their confidence, satisfaction, and motivation.

4 How to provide effective scaffolding?

In order to provide effective scaffolding, certain principles and practices must be followed. This includes assessing learners' prior knowledge and skills, and tailoring the scaffolding to their needs and readiness. Utilizing a variety of methods and tools such as questions, hints, examples, models, explanations, or guidance is also important. It is necessary to provide scaffolding only when needed and remove it when it is no longer necessary. Additionally, the scaffolding should be adjusted according to the learners' progress and feedback, providing more or less support as needed. Gradually fading the scaffolding and transferring responsibility and control to the learners is also important. Finally, encourage learners to monitor their own learning and seek help when needed.

5 How to combine feedback and scaffolding?

Feedback and scaffolding can be combined to create an effective learning environment that encourages learner engagement and reduces cognitive load. For instance, feedback can be used to inform scaffolding decisions and reinforce or correct the learners’ use of scaffolding. It can also be used to motivate and engage learners, as well as help them reflect on their learning. On the other hand, scaffolding can be used to enhance feedback delivery, challenge and support learners, and help them plan their next steps.

6 What are some examples of feedback and scaffolding in action?

Feedback and scaffolding can be used in different learning contexts and activities to enhance the learning process. For instance, in a training session, verbal feedback can be used to praise learners for their participation and point out areas for improvement. Scaffolding questions can also be used to guide learners and elicit prior knowledge. In a project-based learning activity, written feedback can provide formative and summative assessment and offer constructive suggestions. Scaffolding tools such as templates, checklists, rubrics, or examples can help learners structure and organize their project. In a self-paced online course, automated feedback can give immediate, personalized feedback based on responses and actions. Scaffolding features such as hints, prompts, explanations, or feedback loops can help learners navigate and complete the course.