What is it called when the teacher aids learning by adding supports for the students?
A. zone of proximal development
B. guided practice
C. active learning
D. scaffolding
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. scaffolding.
Scaffolding refers to the support and assistance that teachers provide to help students accomplish tasks that they are unable to complete independently. This concept, first introduced by Vygotsky, is rooted in the idea that learning is most effective when students are given help within their zone of proximal development (ZPD). The ZPD is the range of tasks that a learner can perform with guidance but cannot yet perform alone. Scaffolding, therefore, involves providing just enough support to bridge the gap between what the student can do independently and what they can do with help.
Scaffolding is dynamic. It begins with substantial guidance and gradually decreases as the learner gains competence. Teachers might use various strategies to scaffold learning, such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, giving hints, asking guiding questions, or providing visual aids. The goal is for the student to eventually perform the task independently, having built the skills and understanding through the teacher’s support.
For example, in math, a teacher may initially provide step-by-step instructions when solving a problem. As the student becomes more confident and capable, the teacher reduces the amount of help, allowing the student to attempt more complex problems with less assistance.
The key feature of scaffolding is its adaptability. The teacher tailors the level of support to the individual learner’s needs, ensuring that the challenge is just enough to stimulate learning without overwhelming the student. This method is integral in promoting both the development of skills and the student’s sense of accomplishment as they take on more responsibility for their learning.