Mnemonic devices are extremely useful in language acquisition. These devices connect words and ideas by relationships, such as "i" before "e" except after "c," which is used as a spelling aid. This method helps because facts are more easily memorized when alliteration and rhyme reinforce them. They do not stand up to reason or logic, so more inquisitive students will be puzzled by their use. Successful teachers use rhymes and music to help their students remember concepts.
Another scaffolding technique used by teachers is to introduce the problem in a story. Basing teaching around problems is a way of linking an ordinary problem to a more abstract concept that results in higher student motivation and clearer concepts. Typically, a problem such as "How long will it take the snail to get out of the well?" invites involvement, whereas the Pythagorean Theorem does not. By grounding the theoretical problem in a real-life situation, students easily connect and understand the value of learning this principle.
Whenever possible, allow students to tutor each other so that they can demonstrate their mastery of the covered material. This is sometimes referred as "peer teaching." The traditional expression, "teachers learn more than students," is often true. Model to students how to present the information, and then allow students to take turns "teaching" each other the material. Teachers sometimes find that difficult concepts are easily learned through peer teaching simply because children understand each other more than they understand adults.
Scaffolding's major advantage is that it engages the learner instead of the learner passively listening to information presented by the teacher. Scaffolding builds upon prior experiences and minimizes frustration because the student only works at the level for which he is ready.
Scaffolding's biggest disadvantage is that it is individualized. It is often impossible for teachers to meet the needs of every student in the class. Scaffolding initially takes much more time than traditional teaching because students are working at their own speeds. Another disadvantage is that the teacher must give up some control of the class for students to interact with one another.