What does the term “scaffolding” refer to in teaching?

The term “scaffolding” in teaching refers to the practice of providing support to children as they learn new skills. This approach is based on the understanding that learners often require assistance to achieve higher levels of understanding and competency. Scaffolding involves breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps and offering guidance tailored to the child's current level of understanding.

As children progress and gain more confidence and mastery, the support can be gradually removed, allowing them to work more independently. This technique helps ensure that learners are not overwhelmed and can build on their knowledge base effectively. It is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment where children feel encouraged to take risks and explore new concepts at their own pace.

Differentiating this concept from the other options, offering test preparation resources, creating advanced curriculum materials, or setting strict academic standards does not encapsulate the essence of scaffolding, which is fundamentally about supportive interaction and guidance in the learning process.