What does scaffolding in teaching involve?

Scaffolding in teaching is a structured approach designed to support students as they build on their existing knowledge and skills to reach higher levels of understanding. This pedagogical method involves offering temporary, targeted assistance to learners, allowing them to gradually gain independence and confidence in their abilities.

By providing appropriate levels of support, educators can guide students through complex concepts and tasks, ensuring they are not overwhelmed while fostering engagement and motivation to learn. As students become more competent, the support can be adjusted or removed, helping them develop autonomy in their learning process. Using scaffolding effectively creates a more tailored learning experience that meets the individual needs of students, promoting deeper comprehension and mastery of the material.