What does scaffolding refer to in educational development?

Scaffolding in educational development refers to the process of building on a learner’s existing knowledge and skills. This approach allows educators to support students as they gain new understanding or abilities by providing structured assistance that can be gradually removed as the learner becomes more competent and confident.

The underlying principle of scaffolding is that learning is most effective when it is connected to prior knowledge; by linking new concepts to what students already know, they can better internalize and apply this information. This method aligns with the developmental theories of learning, in which educators help learners reach higher levels of understanding by carefully guiding them and expanding their capabilities incrementally. As a result, scaffolding enhances the learning experience and promotes a deeper comprehension of the material at hand.