The purpose of this study is to examine the aspects of peer scaffolding in natural group learning activities in an attempt to get a better understanding of students in the elementary education sector and facilitate the improvement of teaching-learning...
The purpose of this study is to examine the aspects of peer scaffolding in natural group learning activities in an attempt to get a better understanding of students in the elementary education sector and facilitate the improvement of teaching-learning methods. An ethnographic study was implemented from May to October 2008. The subjects in this study were 28 students in a fifth-grade class in an elementary school located in the city of Daegu. Data were gathered by conducting a participant observation, interview, survey and journaling. The natural group learning activities in which the selected children were engaged were recorded and transcribed, and the students were asked to write what they learned. After all the collected data were analyzed, the following were as findings: First, every member who participated in the group learning activities served as a scaffolder. Second, the scaffolders made the use of various strategies, and questioning and asking that were designed to step up the scaffolding of the children who were helped contributed to creating new ZPD through assimilation and regulation. Third, the range of scaffolding hinged on each member`s capability. In conclusion, group learning activities produce very positive effects by spawning dynamic scaffolding that leads to differentiated and self-directed learning.