What does "scaffolding" refer to in educational instruction?

Scaffolding in educational instruction refers to the practice of providing temporary support that helps students complete tasks they cannot yet accomplish independently. This strategy allows educators to build on students' current knowledge and skills while progressively increasing the complexity of tasks. As students gain confidence and mastery, the support is gradually removed, fostering independence and self-sufficiency in learning.

This approach is particularly effective in developing higher-order thinking skills, as it encourages students to engage with challenging material while offering the necessary guidance to help them navigate new concepts. Through scaffolding, teachers tailor their support to meet individual students' needs, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed and ultimately achieve mastery in the subject matter.