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Scaffolding

Definition

In education, scaffolding refers to a variety of instructional techniques used to move students progressively toward stronger understanding and ultimately greater independence in the learning process.

Analogy

Imagine building an actual scaffold for painting a large mural. You start at the bottom layer where you need most support. As you paint higher up on the wall (gain more knowledge), you build more layers onto your scaffold (more complex concepts). Once you've finished painting (mastered the subject), you don't need the scaffold anymore - it's served its purpose in supporting your progress.

Related terms

Guided practice: An instructional strategy where teachers model how to solve a problem then step back while students try to solve similar problems independently.

Differentiated instruction: A teaching method where teachers proactively modify curricula, teaching methods, resources, learning activities, and student products to address the diverse needs of individual students.

Formative assessment: A range of formal and informal assessment procedures conducted by teachers during the learning process in order to modify teaching and learning activities to improve student attainment.