An Informed Synthesis of Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Computer-Based Scaffolding Research

• In Event: 21.044 - Innovation-Driven Practice

Abstract

With the benefits of scaffolding firmly established, research progressed to discovering conditions and features that optimize its effectiveness. These high ecological validity studies make a contribution but cannot be synthesized by traditional meta-analysis approaches. The purpose of this study is to synthesize quasi-experimental and experimental designs in the area of computer-based scaffolding, building on what is known from prior review work through an informed prior distribution. Results suggest that fading (N=4) scaffolds is less effective (g = 0.56) than a combination of fading and adding (N = 12; g = 0.60). When adding support (N = 2) scaffolded students learn less than control students (g = -0.80). Implications for these findings and their relationship to existing theory are discussed.

Authors

• Nam Ju Kim, University of Miami

• Andrew Walker, Utah State University

• Brian R. Belland, The Pennsylvania State University

• Mason Lefler, Bridgerland Technical College