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Parent–child learning interactions

A review of the literature on scaffolding

Bibliographic Data

ID14061237
AuthorsRoni Mermelshtine (0000-0003-4111-5456, Birkbeck University of London UK, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume87
Issue2
Pages241-254
Publication date2017-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Educational Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-0998 • E-ISSN: 2044-8279
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/bjep.12147
PMID28220477
OpenAlexW2590787318
LanguageEN
Citations received48
References cited72

BACKGROUND: Scaffolding can be observed during learning-based interactions, when interventions by parents are adjusted according to children's observed abilities, with the main goal of enabling the child to work independently (Wood et al., 1976, Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 17, 89). Such contingent instruction behaviours occur from infancy, and are said to be relevant for children's development of executive function, language acquisition, and cognitive and academic abilities. Scaffolding behaviours are considered a product of the family and the wider context, a process affected by parent and child characteristics, and the environment they inhabit. Over 40 years of scaffolding research has produced an abundance of findings. Early investigations were concerned with the conceptualization of scaffolding, whereas more recent studies build upon the theory, testing its correlates and relevance for child development. AIMS: This article offers an overview of the literature, focusing on the relevance of scaffolding for child developmental outcomes, and the factors associated with individual differences in the process. STRUCTURE: The article is structured such that the origins of the theory and its definitions are discussed first, followed by an overview of the correlates of scaffolding. The review concludes with a critical evaluation of the literature, proposing novel avenues for future research

Child development · Cognition · Conceptualization · Context (archaeology) · Developmental psychology · Psychological intervention · Relevance (law) · Scaffold · Educational and Psychological Assessments · Family and Disability Support Research · Parental Involvement in Education · Psychology

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Unique citing works48
Citations per year6
Citation span2018 - 2026 (9)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 46
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