The term "scaffolding" is often used loosely to describe a broad range of interventions or devices for learners and in many instances the actual nature of the scaffold is unclear. In the true sense, for "scaffolding" to take place the activity needs to be for the learner's own intentions, i.e. a task that he or she sets…

The field of instructional design and technology has always evolved and grown, translating new knowledge in the learning and cognitive sciences into instructional principles, increasingly incorporating technological innovations into the design of educational solutions, and adapting to social changes (Reiser, 2007; Tennyson, 2005). The "learning…

Preparing graduates for the professions is increasingly recognised as involving a partnership approach to curriculum design, implementation and evaluation. Experiential placements play a critical role in developing discipline-specific knowledge and skills and also generic professional dispositions including relationships, communication, problem…