What is the role of scaffolding in teaching?

The concept of scaffolding in teaching refers to the support provided to students as they learn new concepts and develop skills. This support is temporary and is designed to help students reach a level of understanding that they may not be able to achieve independently. By offering this structured assistance, teachers enable learners to progress beyond their current capabilities.

When educators scaffold instruction, they might break down complex tasks into manageable parts, provide frameworks for understanding, or offer hints and cues that guide students toward discovering answers or solutions on their own. This method not only facilitates learning but also encourages students to build confidence and become more independent in their learning process. The ultimate goal of scaffolding is to gradually remove this support as students become more competent, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and apply their skills autonomously.

This approach fosters an environment of exploration and active engagement, promoting deeper learning while still ensuring that students have the necessary support until they can tackle challenges on their own.