Scaffolding Strategies for EFL Learners: Fostering Autonomy and 21st-Century Language Competence

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-543-0_24How to use a DOI?

Keywords

21st-Century Education; Communicative Competence; EFL Learners; Learner Autonomy; Scaffolding

Abstract

In an era defined by globalization and rapid technological advancement, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education must transcend traditional grammar-focused instruction to cultivate autonomy, critical thinking, and communicative competence. Scaffolding, grounded in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, offers a dynamic pedagogical framework that bridges learners’ current abilities and potential development. This paper examines how strategic scaffolding through modeling, collaborative learning, guided literacy practices, and task-based instruction enhances learner engagement, confidence, and language mastery. Drawing on contemporary research, the study highlights the transformative role of scaffolding in creating inclusive, technology-integrated learning environments that accommodate diverse linguistic needs. This article argues that effective scaffolding not only accelerates linguistic proficiency but also empowers EFL learners to become independent, adaptive, and globally competent communicators in the 21st century.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Malai Boonma
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/02/26
TI  - Scaffolding Strategies for EFL Learners: Fostering Autonomy and 21st-Century Language Competence
BT  - Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Education and Social Science Research (ICESRE 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 286
EP  - 296
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-543-0_24
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-543-0_24
ID  - Boonma2026
ER  -