Lev Vygotsky proposed that learning is a process which needs social supports from individuals around a person such as parents, peers, and teachers. However, the social support does not stop there, it could be provided and found from society, community etc. at large. In this sense, social supports enable an individual to learn information and skills through the help, guidance and support of a more informed, knowledgeable individual. This is what scaffolding means. According to Vygotsky’s proposition, when individuals who are learning something new receive the support that they need, they will have better chance in understanding and mastering the knowledge or skills that they learn independently in the future.
For the MyDigitalEducator program, even though I feel overwhelmed with the demands of the program, but I remind myself to take one thing at a time. Having a mentor who closely monitors our progress does help even though some might feel suffocated. In our group, there are some of us who decided to drop from the program due to various unforeseen reasons and circumstances.
This program is demanding in a way that we have to ensure the materials that we develop is not just good enough, but perfect (or almost perfect) to be showcased to others. This is not easy. “Janji buat, janji siap” adage is not applicable in this sense. Being me, I know well better that rather than doing something just for the sake of doing (Janji buat), I would rather not wasting myself to do it on a first place. So, once I have decided to do something, I will commit to it until its completion.
Some colleagues say “Ala, janji siap sudahlah”. I no longer feel annoyed hearing that from them, but if my students ever say that, they will know (or later find out) what I will do.
I am blessed to have a mentor who is willing to sacrifice long hours and even weekends to have mentoring sessions with us. May Allay grant him the best rewards for his efforts.