Explain the term "scaffolding" in education.

Scaffolding in education refers to a supportive teaching method that involves providing temporary assistance to students as they are learning new concepts or skills. This assistance is tailored to the individual needs of students and is gradually removed as they become more proficient and confident in their understanding. The goal of scaffolding is to enable students to achieve independence in their learning.

In practice, scaffolding can take many forms, such as breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, using visual aids, prompting with guiding questions, or providing models for students to follow. By allowing students to build on their prior knowledge and skills, educators create an environment where learners can take risks, make mistakes, and ultimately master the content being taught. As support is removed, students are empowered to demonstrate their understanding independently, which reflects a deeper level of learning and skill acquisition.