What is meant by "scaffolding" in an educational context?

Scaffolding in an educational context refers to the approach of providing tailored support and guidance to students as they begin to learn new concepts or skills. This technique is based on the understanding that learners often need assistance to bridge the gap between what they already know and what they are trying to understand or accomplish. The idea is to help students build their knowledge step by step, gradually increasing their independence as they become more proficient.

Effective scaffolding can involve various strategies, such as modeling a process, breaking tasks into manageable parts, asking guiding questions, or providing temporary resources that students can utilize until they are able to perform a task independently. This support is intended to be removed gradually as students gain confidence and competence, promoting lasting learning.

The other choices contrast with the essence of scaffolding. Strict supervision without student input does not foster independence or understanding, while removing guidance entirely can leave students feeling lost. Establishing rigid learning goals can limit flexibility, inhibiting personalized support that scaffolding aims to provide. Instead, the focus of scaffolding is on creating a supportive learning environment where students can thrive and develop their skills progressively.