What is the concept of “scaffolding” in education?

Scaffolding in education is a support strategy that involves providing temporary assistance to students as they learn new skills or concepts. The idea is to build on a child's existing knowledge by offering just enough guidance to help them achieve understanding and competence without taking over the task. This approach encourages independence and critical thinking, allowing learners to grasp new ideas progressively.

As students become more proficient, the level of support is gradually reduced—similar to how physical scaffolding is removed from a building once the structure is complete. This method fosters a deeper understanding as children actively engage in learning, rather than simply receiving information passively.

The importance of scaffolding lies in its adaptability; it can be tailored to meet individual learning needs, adjusting the support according to a child's readiness and progress. Through guided strategies such as questioning, modeling, and providing feedback, teachers can facilitate learning in a way that promotes confidence and skill development.