Which term describes supports that gradually fade as a learner becomes more independent?

Which term describes supports that gradually fade as a learner becomes more independent?

• A. Scope
• B. Sequence
• C. Scaffolds
• D. Simulations

Answer: (C)

Scaffolding refers to supports that gradually fade as a learner becomes more independent. At first you provide modeling, prompts, guided practice, and feedback to help bridge what the student can do with help to what they can do on their own. As the student grows more capable, you reduce those supports until they can complete the task independently. This approach aligns with guiding students through the zone of proximal development, giving help just enough to reach the next level of mastery and then releasing it. For example, you might model a reading strategy, then ask guiding questions, then let the student try with less support, and finally read independently using the strategy. Scope is about how much content is taught, sequence is the order of skills, and simulations are practice that imitates real situations—different ideas from scaffolding.

Scaffolding refers to supports that gradually fade as a learner becomes more independent. At first you provide modeling, prompts, guided practice, and feedback to help bridge what the student can do with help to what they can do on their own. As the student grows more capable, you reduce those supports until they can complete the task independently. This approach aligns with guiding students through the zone of proximal development, giving help just enough to reach the next level of mastery and then releasing it. For example, you might model a reading strategy, then ask guiding questions, then let the student try with less support, and finally read independently using the strategy. Scope is about how much content is taught, sequence is the order of skills, and simulations are practice that imitates real situations—different ideas from scaffolding.