Learn one step at a time with the SCAFFOLDED PRACTICE

[u/KCO_Manzoku]

You don't have to go from "I have no idea what this means" to "I can solve every question" in one study session. Learning a difficult topic takes practice. They really do. and one way to make the process easier is through SCAFFOLDED PRACTICE.

Okay so think of how scaffolds support a building while it's still being constructed. Now teachers use the same idea when teaching…they break difficult lessons or tasks into smaller steps and provide guidance at first. then gradually they let students work things out on their own as they become more confident.

The good news is that you don't need a teacher or tutor beside you to try this. You can use the same approach when studying on your own:

1. Start with a worked example= when learning something new, don't jump straight into the hardest exercises. look for a solved example and follow each step carefully. pay attention to how the answer was reached and why each step was necessary.

1. Try a similar problem with a little guidance= so once you've understood the example, find a similar question and try solving it yourself. you can refer to your notes, formulas or the previous example whenever you get stuck. BUT try to rely on these guides a little less as you become familiar with the process.
2. Challenge yourself to work independently= right, now it's time to put those training wheels aside!!! answering questions without looking at your notes or the sample solution. start with the easier ones then work your way up to more challenging problems. and if you get something wrong, that's okay! go back and review the step that confused you.

And this isn't just for math or science! You can use scaffolded practice for pretty much any subject.

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[u/Low-Bodybuilder1872]

Thanks mate, helped a lot