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

The term "scaffolding" in education refers to the practice of providing support to students as they learn new concepts and skills. This approach is designed to help students achieve a higher level of understanding and capability by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts, allowing learners to grasp concepts step by step.

Scaffolding involves teachers or educators offering guidance and support tailored to the individual needs of each student. This could include modeling a problem-solving process, providing hints, or facilitating discussions that encourage critical thinking. As students gain more confidence and mastery of the material, scaffolding can gradually be removed, much like taking down scaffolding from a building as it becomes more structurally sound.

This method promotes autonomy in learners, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed independently in the future. In contrast to the other options, which suggest either a lack of teacher involvement, restricting access to materials, or providing the same level of support to all students without considering diverse needs, scaffolding specifically emphasizes supportive, differentiated instruction.