Abstract: Scaffolding instruction is based on Constructivism theory and Vygotsky theory ----the zone of proximal development, which emphasizes on student-centered teaching. This thesis tries to take 43 students from a class in Grade 8 of a middle school in Jiangning, Nanjing city as the research subjects to affirm, in middle school, Scaffolding Instruction can make the atmosphere in English reading class more relaxing, thus improving students’ participation, and Scaffolding Instruction can foster students’ awareness of cooperation. The experiment is conducted between September, 2016 and October, 2016, a period of six weeks, and draws a positive conclusion.

Key words: scaffolding instruction; middle school; English reading class

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction . 1

2. Scaffolding Instruction Model  1

 2.1 Theoretical Support

 2.2 Definition 

 2.3 Teaching Reading with Scaffolding Instruction Model

 2.4 Features of the Process of Scaffolding

 2.5 Types of Scaffold

3. A Survey on Application of Scaffolding Instruction to English Teaching .6

 3.1 Objectives

 3.2 Subjects

 3.3 Instrument

 3.4 Procedures

 3.5 Data collection and analysis

3.5.1 Data collection and analysis of observation schedule

3.5.2 Data collection and analysis of feedback questionnaire and interview

4. Conclusion .11

Bibliography 13

AppendixⅠ

AppendixⅡ

Acknowledgements .16