Scaffolding and mentoring

 

   The expression ’no pain, no gain’ is simplistic and over-generalised but it holds a kernel of truth. It is an axiom of learning, in my view, that in order to grow we need to stretch. We need to reach out and make effort, and often there is some short-term discomfort in the mix. But the joy of reaching and accomplishing by far outweigh any discomfort.

 

   I was first made aware of this through my music studies. Often I was given (or would choose) a new piece that was patently too difficult for me. But by imitating my teacher, by taking it bar by bar and section by section, and by persevering I usually got there. The pain in this case was more likely to be felt by anyone listening to me practicing! The frequent stumbling and ‘getting it wrong’ were not pleasant but my teacher was able to monitor my progress, offer advice, put things in context and praise me for the parts that I was doing well. Gradually, incrementally, and sometimes with a sudden rush, new skills were learned and new levels of existing skill were achieved.

 

For more on Scaffolding, visit the Creative theme of my teaching philosophy.