What does the term "scaffolding" refer to in education?

The term "scaffolding" in education refers to providing gradual structured support to students as they learn new concepts or skills. This educational practice is based on the idea that learners often require assistance as they progress from a basic understanding to more complex knowledge. Scaffolding involves breaking learning into manageable steps, offering guidance, resources, or tools that are tailored to the needs of the student. As students gain competence and confidence in their abilities, the support can be slowly withdrawn, allowing them to take on more responsibility for their learning.

This method is beneficial because it helps students build on their existing knowledge and skills in a structured way, thereby promoting deeper understanding and retention of the material. It is an intrinsic part of various instructional strategies, ensuring that educators can cater to diverse learning paces and styles, ultimately fostering independent learners.