An Experimental Study Of Scaffolding Instruction To English Reading Classes In Middle School

Under the influence of traditional teaching methods,the current situation of teaching English reading in China still focuses on the explanation of grammar rules and the translation of some important sentences in the reading material.Scaffolding instruction based on Constructivism Theory provides a more effective teaching model for English reading.In view of this,the author summarizes the important features of scaffolding instruction and explores the effects of scaffolding instruction on students’ reading ability and affective aspects.In addition,the author also tries to explore the application of scaffolding instruction to teaching English reading in middle school.Two advanced classes from Grade 8 of a middle school in Shanghai were selected as the research objects.In the experimental class,scaffolding instruction is adopted,while the current teaching method is still applied in the control class.The author sets up a pre-questionnaire to know about students’ ZPD(Zone of Proximal Development),and a pre-test to understand the present reading ability and level of students.After a three-month teaching experiment,the post-test paper is used to know whether the reading ability of students has improved.Moreover,the post-questionnaire and face-toface interview are used to know the effects of scaffolding instruction on affective aspects of students.After collecting and analyzing experimental data,the author finds that: 1)scaffolding instruction can enhance middle school students’ reading scores and ability;2)scaffolding instruction can also improve students’ interest,self-confidence and attitude towards English reading;3)in this experiment,there are six steps to implement scaffolding instruction,which are setting students’ ZPD,setting up scaffolds,entering situation,exploring independently,learning cooperatively and making evaluation.Teachers need to choose appropriate scaffolds according to different reading stages(pre-stage,while-stage,post-stage),and remove the scaffolds gradually to cultivate students’ autonomous learning ability.Besides,cooperative learning and evaluation play important roles in scaffolding instruction.Teachers are required to provide feedback in proper way and in time.Also,students are required to evaluate themselves after completing the learning tasks.In short,scaffolding instruction is an effective way that can help students benefit a lot from it.