Scaffolding in adult literacy education

A VALBEC (Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council) Professional Learning session presented by Jo Medlin.

In this session Jo will present current research on adult literacy learning that has implications for the way we scaffold learning. This presentation will move beyond traditional considerations of scaffolding in education that we might commonly think of when we talk about scaffolding, such as Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development.

Instead, linked to the literature will be examples to illustrate how we might envisage good practice and ensure scaffolding is used to full effect in adult literacy contexts. The role of Australian frameworks for adult learning, such as the ACSF and AQF, will also be considered.

Jo Medlin is an Associate Lecturer in Adult Vocational Education in the School of Education / Faculty of Arts and Education at Charles Sturt University (CSU). She coordinates and teaches adult literacy and numeracy teaching subjects and a variety of vocational teacher LLND subjects. Jo has been working in adult literacy and numeracy for over three decades. In addition, she volunteers as the president of the Australian Council for Adult Literacy. Although a strong advocate for learning, literacy, and plain language, her main interest is in ensuring everyone has the ability to read for pleasure. Her favourite new T-shirt reads: A book a day keeps reality away.

We look forward to seeing you there.

VALBEC PL Forums Team

Who: Jo Medlin
When: Wednesday, 23^rd July 2025, 5.30-6.30 pm AEST
Where: Zoom

Cost: VALBEC Members Free; non-Members $10