What does the term "scaffolding" refer to in an educational context?

In the educational context, "scaffolding" refers to providing temporary support to help students achieve understanding and competence in a new skill or concept. This concept is rooted in the idea that learners benefit from assistance that enables them to progress through their learning with guided help. The support is designed to be gradually removed as the student becomes more proficient, allowing for independent mastery of the material.

This approach is effective because it allows teachers to tailor assistance to the individual needs of each student, ensuring they understand the content before moving on to more complex ideas. It fosters an environment where students can take risks and make mistakes, knowing they have support available to help them navigate challenges.

Other options do not align with the concept of scaffolding. Eliminating all support for independent work would not help a student learn; instead, it may lead to frustration and confusion. Relying solely on peer support can limit the necessary guidance that a teacher may provide, and assigning lower difficulty tasks does not encourage deeper understanding or critical thinking. Scaffolding specifically emphasizes the temporary nature of support to move learners towards independence in their learning journey.