Understanding the Different Types of Scaffolds: When and How to Use Scaffolds to Support Student Learning in the Classroom
Scaffolds are not always temporary, in fact for many, they are essential for building student confidence and skills. In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak, EdD discusses the importance of scaffolding in education, particularly how to increase the effectiveness of scaffolds by utilizing them within the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Novak shares personal anecdotes and research insights on how scaffolds can support student learning and independence. You’ll learn different types of scaffolds—linguistic, conceptual, and socio-cultural—and walk away with practical strategies that educators can implement effectively in the classroom. You’ll also learn how and why we need to gradually release responsibility to our learners to foster student independence.You'll learn:A helpful analogy that breaks down why scaffolds are essential to improving learning The research that supports the use of scaffolds The three different types of scaffolds, and how you can use them in your schools and classrooms If you find today’s episode to be interesting or insightful, please share it with one or two educators in your life! Your recommendation is one of the best ways to spread the word and to help fellow educators improve their practice. And to learn more, head to the show page to access the transcript and resources: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-scaffolds-when-and-how-to-useKey moments:00:00 Introduction to Scaffolding in Education02:20 Understanding the Types of Scaffolds04:40 Effective Strategies for Implementing Scaffolds08:02 Fostering Independence Through ScaffoldingFor more strategies and resources, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Twice-a-month, we’ll deliver the latest updates and tips for creating learning environments where all learners can thrive. Sign Up: https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-upIf you liked this episode, dive in deeper: Listen to Episode 23 Scaffolding Executive Function Skills.
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How to Provide Action-Oriented Feedback to Learners: Effective Feedback Strategies for Teachers
Feedback should never be a one-way street. In this episode of The Education Table Podcast, we’re diving into feedback—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it well. Katie Novak shares a personal story highlighting the pitfalls of unchecked praise and breaks down three types of research-backed feedback. Novak provides concrete strategies for delivering effective feedback, including being specific, ensuring two-way communication, and aligning feedback with clear goals.Whether you're a teacher looking to support student growth, an administrator or instructional leader aiming to guide your staff, or someone wanting to improve everyday communication, this episode will equip you with essential skills to make feedback more meaningful, impactful, and efficient—in both your professional and personal life.Access resources, the UDL Look-For Tool, and more on the show page: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-action-oriented-feedbackSubscribe to Katie's newsletter: https://info.novakeducation.com/newsletter-sign-upFollow Katie Novak on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienovakudl/Follow Novak Education on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/novak_education/Key Moments:00:00 The Importance of Feedback in Education02:33 The Three Types of Feedback: Evaluation, Praise, and Coaching05:45 Strategies for Action-Oriented Feedback
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Enhancing Rubrics - Supporting Progress Monitoring and Meaningful Feedback with UDL and AI
Rubrics are essential tools for tracking progress and providing meaningful feedback. However, choosing the right rubric and managing it effectively—in a time-efficient manner—is crucial for benefiting both your students and yourself.! In this episode of The Education Table, Katie Novak will share the different types of rubrics, how AI can revolutionize rubric creation, and discuss how to use rubrics in the UDL framework to empower students with frequent feedback and lots of opportunities for revision. Access resources, a helpful infographic to delineate when to use each rubric, and more on the show page: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-rubricsKey Moments:00:00 - Introduction to Rubrics and Progress Monitoring01:42 - Types of Rubrics: Analytic Rubric, Holistic Rubric, and Single Point Rubric05:51 -Strategies for Effective Rubric Use09:29 - Conclusion: Empowering Students with RubricsFollow Katie Novak on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katienovakudl/Follow Novak Education on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/novak_education/
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Scaffolding Executive Function Skills: Preparing Future-Ready Students With Learner Agency
Executive function is one of the most essential skills we can teach our students—it helps them plan, problem-solve, and navigate the world independently. These cognitive processes are critical for fostering purposeful, motivated learners. But here’s the thing: executive function skills don’t just develop on their own. They need to be explicitly taught and scaffolded—for both students and adults.In this episode, Katie Novak dives into the pivotal role of executive function in education and explains why it’s key to building learner agency. Novak shares personal anecdotes and research-backed insights, highlighting why teaching these life skills is crucial for student success. Plus, she offers three practical, classroom-ready strategies educators can use to scaffold executive function—empowering all learners to reach their full potential.Whether you’re a teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this episode offers actionable tips to help you support your students (and maybe even strengthen your own executive function skills along the way!).Access resources and the transcript from the show: https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-executive-functions
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How Teachers Can Use Big and Small Data Every Day in Their Classrooms
Today, we’re talking aboutdata—not just big data (such as test scores and report cards) but the small, everyday data that helps teachers adjust instruction, connect with students, and see the immediate impact of their work. Katie Novak will share how teachers can gather this data and then share three action steps that educators, at any grade level, can use to leverage both big and small data in the classroom to make a difference every single day.View resources and more onthe show page:https://www.novakeducation.com/the-education-table-how-teachers-use-small-data
Welcome to The Education Table, a destination for insights into inclusive and innovative education, all in 10 minutes or less. Hosted by Katie Novak, the podcast is dedicated to address your pressing questions, inspire action, and drive change, offering the insights and tools necessary to transform education through UDL, MTSS, innovative interventions, and leadership practices. Each episode offers a mix of stories, statistics, and strategies designed to establish balance for teachers and enhance outcomes for all learners.
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