What term describes the temporary support provided to learners to enhance their understanding?

Scaffolding refers to the temporary support given to learners to help them achieve a higher level of understanding or skill acquisition. This concept is often used in educational settings to describe a process where teachers or more knowledgeable peers provide guidance and assistance tailored to the learner’s current level. The purpose of scaffolding is to gradually remove this support as the learner becomes more competent, allowing them to take on greater challenges independently.

In educational practices, scaffolding might involve breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, providing hints, or modeling a skill before expecting students to perform it on their own. This approach not only enhances understanding but also encourages confidence and independence in learners as they progress through their educational journey.