What is the primary function of scaffolding in education?

The primary function of scaffolding in education is to provide support as students learn new concepts. This pedagogical strategy involves structuring lessons in a way that allows educators to assist learners during the initial stages of understanding and gradually reducing support as students become more proficient. The idea is to help students build on their prior knowledge, accommodate new information, and develop independence in their learning.

Scaffolding is often implemented through a variety of teaching techniques, such as breaking complex tasks into smaller, manageable parts, modeling problem-solving steps, or offering guiding questions that lead students to discover answers on their own. This process not only facilitates deeper understanding but also helps boost students' confidence as they progress towards mastering new skills. By providing this targeted support, scaffolding aims to foster a positive learning environment where students can thrive and ultimately become self-sufficient learners.