کنفرانس ملی رویکردهای نوین در آموزش و پژوهش

صفحه اصلی / نهمین کنفرانس ملی رویکردهای نوین در آموزش و پژوهش

The Role of Scaffolding in Enhancing Critical Thinking in ESL Learners

نویسندگان :

Masoumeh Sabouri¹

1- آموزش و پرورش بزینه رود زنجان

کلمات کلیدی :

Scaffolding،Critical Thinking،ESL،Language Learning،Zone of Proximal Development

چکیده :

This paper examines the role of scaffolding in enhancing critical thinking skills among English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. It explores the theoretical foundations of scaffolding, rooted in Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, and reviews various scaffolding strategies categorized as cognitive, metacognitive, and linguistic. The study synthesizes empirical findings from research examining scaffolding's impact on reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills in ESL contexts, with a particular focus on how scaffolding supports the development of critical thinking. The findings indicate that carefully implemented scaffolding, using strategies such as strategic questioning, think-aloud modeling, and metacognitive prompts, can effectively enhance both language proficiency and critical thinking abilities. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the importance of adapting scaffolding techniques to individual learner needs, proficiency levels, and specific language domains, as well as differing cultural backgrounds. The paper concludes with practical implications for ESL educators, offering guidance on designing and implementing effective scaffolding strategies, along with ways to assess the impact of these strategies, focusing on the importance of using questioning techniques and assessment to enhance critical thinking. It also acknowledges the limitations of the reviewed studies and provides directions for future research, emphasizing the critical role that scaffolding plays in not only language acquisition but also fostering critical thinking among ESL learners.