What does scaffolding in education entail?

Scaffolding in education refers to the tailored support that educators provide to help students gradually gain independence in their learning. This concept entails offering guidance, tools, and encouragement during the process of mastering new concepts or skills. The goal is to provide sufficient assistance to support the student until they successfully can complete tasks on their own.

When students are initially introduced to new material, they may require a range of support strategies, including modeling, prompts, or collaborative work. As they progress and improve their understanding and abilities, the support can be incrementally reduced, allowing them to take on more responsibility for their learning. This approach not only promotes confidence and competence but also ensures that students are prepared to tackle similar tasks independently in the future.