What is the role of scaffolding in learning?

Scaffolding plays a crucial role in the learning process by providing temporary support to help students achieve tasks that they are not yet able to complete on their own. This approach allows educators to bridge the gap between a student’s current level of understanding and the intended learning outcomes. By offering guidance, tools, or structured tasks, scaffolding enables learners to gradually build their skills and confidence.

As students engage with more complex material, this support is systematically removed, encouraging independence as they become more proficient. This method is effective because it recognizes the varying levels of readiness among learners and tailors assistance to meet their individual needs. Therefore, the correct understanding of scaffolding emphasizes its function as a supportive framework that fosters learning improvement, rather than a permanent or absolute solution to learning challenges.