ERIC Number: EJ1097243
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1559-9035
EISSN: N/A
Symmetrical or Asymmetrical Scaffolding: Piagetian vs. Vygotskyan Views to Reading Comprehension
Pishghadam, Reza; Ghadiri, Sanaz
Journal of Language and Literacy Education, v7 n1 p49-64 2011
This study seeks to investigate the impact of symmetrical (S) and Asymmetrical (AS) scaffolding, which are two types of scaffolding, on students' reading comprehension achievement of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The study was done in two phases: In the first phase after administering a Pre-test, 52 homogeneous intermediate students were selected, and they were divided into two experimental groups. The experimental group (A) received instruction according to S strategy whereas the experimental group (B) was instructed via the AS strategy. A Post-test was administered, and its results were analyzed through t-test. The results indicated that although S scaffolding has significant effect on learners' performance in reading comprehension, enhancing it but AS scaffolding is a more effective strategy in improving reading comprehension achievement. In the second phase, the qualitative data consisted of a total of 60-minute recording of 28 participants' interviews. The results have been more consistent with Vygotsky's theories than with those of Piaget in cognitive development.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Reading Comprehension, Reading Achievement, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Institutes (Training Programs), Language Tests, Pretests Posttests, Experimental Groups, Statistical Analysis, Learning Theories, Cognitive Development, Comparative Analysis, Interviews, Student Attitudes, Instructional Effectiveness, Theory of Mind, Cooperative Learning
Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia. 315 Aderhold Hall, Athens, GA 30602. Tel: 706-542-7866; Fax: 706-542-3817; e-mail: jolle@uga.edu; Web site: http://jolle.coe.uga.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iran
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A