Available online 2 November 2022

Studies show that active learning results in better student learning outcomes.

Scaffolding of course assignments is fully implemented following six principles.

Faculty can improve active learning as exemplified by scaffolded assignments.

Recent changes, such as COVID-19 restrictions and advances in technology, have led to unique effects on nursing education, requiring new pedagogical thinking and strategies. Studies have shown that a more active approach to learning leads to positive gains for students. In this conceptual paper, we argue that scaffolding specifically allows instructors to break down assignments into meaningful chunks with instructional support that fall within reach of a student's ability, making the assignment both more manageable and actively engaging. This paper outlines six principles (Van Lier, 1996) to the scaffolding approach and discusses two example assignments that utilize scaffolding in nursing education to increase active engagement and improve learning outcomes. Examples include a research critique paper and an unfolding case study.

Active learning

Chunking

Higher education

Nursing education

Scaffolding

Zone of proximal development

© 2022 Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.