What is one purpose of scaffolding in education?

Scaffolding plays a crucial role in education as it provides the necessary support to help students acquire new skills effectively. It involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable parts and offering guidance and resources tailored to the learner's current level of understanding. This approach enables students to build their knowledge and confidence gradually, ultimately leading to independent skill mastery.

By incorporating scaffolding techniques, teachers can assess students' readiness, provide appropriate challenges, and foster a learning environment that encourages exploration and problem-solving. As students become more capable, the level of scaffolding can be gradually reduced, allowing them to take on more responsibility for their learning. This process is essential for promoting deep understanding and ensuring that students can apply their skills in various contexts when they are ready to operate independently.