A card-based instructional design tool by the ETF & JRC
What is Scaffold?
Scaffold is a card-based instructional design tool developed jointly by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. This portable deck of 102 cards guides educators through a structured, step-by-step process for designing learning activities — from defining the learning setting and target audience, to selecting pedagogical approaches, competences and assessment methods. Grounded in four EU key-competence frameworks (DigComp, EntreComp, LifeComp, GreenComp), Scaffold supports formal and non-formal educators in planning sessions that respond to diverse learner profiles, starting points and needs. The card game encourages creativity and reflection in lesson planning, making it particularly valuable for trainers working with mixed-ability groups or learners with fewer opportunities.
How does it relate to inclusive and learner-centred teaching?
Learners in VET often arrive with very different levels of prior experience, confidence and needs. Scaffold supports educators in exactly this aspect: it provides a structured yet flexible framework to design sessions grounded in a clear understanding of who the learners are and what they need, while remaining aligned to competence frameworks and occupational standards. The experiential, participatory methods it draws on are well suited to mixed-ability groups, supporting progression towards employability or further training without sacrificing educational rigour.
＋ Strengths
- Low-cost. The full deck and accompanying guide are freely available to download and print from the EU Publications Office website.
- Structured but flexible. The 9-step planning process gives a clear framework while staying fully adaptable — educators can reorder steps, skip elements and scale complexity to their needs.
- Learner-centred from the start. Dedicated Setting cards help educators map and integrate learners’ unique characteristics, making inclusive design a point of departure rather than an add-on.
－ Considerations
- Complexity. The large number of cards (102) may feel overwhelming at first — though not all are needed for every session, and educators can add more as they build confidence.
- Time and place. Scaffold needs dedicated planning time and ideally a physical workspace (wall, desk, sticky notes), which can be a constraint for trainers with high contact hours.
- Familiarisation. The in-depth guide is a useful reference, but getting to grips with the card logic, colour coding and competence references takes some initial time investment.