When the first activity our learner needs to accomplish or practice is too complicated, we try to make it simpler. Two ways to do it – break an activity into its sub tasks and practice each one individually – thus loosing integration; or – scaffolding – giving the learner guidelines or specific help that enables to complete a simple task. The cons for scaffolding is the risk of getting addicted to it.
Parivrita trikonnasana. What will be better – to put your hand in front of your front leg while parivriting, or use a brick and put it behind the front leg, as it should be in the classic assana?
Using brick is scaffolding. It enables me to do a basic parivrita trico, in the “integrative” way. Same idea, by using a bolster in supta virsaana and so on.
Some time ago, my teacher asked me why am I using two bolsters in supta virasana. I found out I can use only one.
Remember the addiction potential of scaffolds.
