Scaffolding

A term originally used to refer to teacher talk that supports pupils in carrying out activities and helps them to solve problems. Examples include simplifying tasks by breaking them down into smaller steps; keeping pupils focused on completing the task by reminding them of what the goal is; showing other ways of doing tasks. Scaffolding also includes support strategies for writing and speaking, examples of which are the use of substitution tables and language frames. Scaffolding is temporary support which is gradually taken away so that learners can eventually work without it.

Scan

To read a text quickly to pick out specific information, e.g. finding a phone number in a phone book. See detail, gist, global understanding, skim.

Schema theory

A theory of language processing based on the notion that past experiences lead to the creation of mental frameworks that help us make sense of new experiences.

Scheme of work

A basic plan of what a teacher will teach for a number of lessons. Its aim is to try to ensure that lessons fit logically together, to give the teacher clear goals and to try to ensure a balance of language, skills, topics and activities over a number of weeks or months.

Seating arrangement, seating plan

The way the learners sit in the classroom, e.g. in rows, in a circle around the teacher, in groups around different tables. A plan of where the learners should sit in the classroom.

Second language learners

Students whose primary language is not English. They are learning English as their second language.

Second language / L2

The term is used to refer to a language which is not a mother tongue but which is used for certain communicative functions in a society. Thus Ukrainian is a second language in Transcarpathia for Hungarians. See foreign language.

Self-access centre, learning centre

A place with learning resources such as books, computers and cassettes where learners can study by themselves.

Self-access materials

Materials designed for learners to use independently (i.e. on their own without access to a teacher or a classroom). They are normally used by the learner at home, in a library or in a self-study centre.

Self-assessment

~ is a judgement made by the learner on his or her own performance, knowledge, strategies etc. See assessment.