What is scaffolding in instruction?

• A. Permanent supports
• B. Temporary supports or prompts that help a learner perform a task beyond their independent ability, gradually removed as mastery is achieved
• C. High-stakes testing
• D. Removing all supports immediately

Answer: (B)

Scaffolding in instruction means providing temporary supports or prompts that help a learner perform a task beyond what they can do independently, with those supports gradually removed as mastery is achieved. In practice, a teacher might model the task, break it into manageable steps, offer hints or guided practice, use prompts or sentence frames, and give feedback to guide the learner toward independence. This approach fits with the idea that learners can reach higher levels of work when they have help tailored to their current abilities, and the goal is to fade the supports as competence grows so the student can perform the task on their own. Permanent supports would slow independence, and removing all supports immediately or focusing on high-stakes testing misses the instructional purpose of guiding toward independence through gradual guidance.