Scaffolding instruction means using temporary supports to move students along the path of learning. Scaffolds, as the metaphor suggests, are removed over time as students become more proficient.
Teachers provide scaffolding to help students take the next step in their learning that’s just beyond what they can do on their own—what Lev Vygotsky called the zone of proximal development.
For example, a teacher might provide concrete manipulatives for students to use as they tackle a complex math task, share an exemplar response before a writing exercise, or discuss a text before students read it to familiarize them with its vocabulary and context.
With scaffolding, teachers make explicit connections between what students already know and new learning.
While scaffolding is a core teaching strategy for all students, skillful scaffolding is particularly important for students with unfinished learning. It can enable them to engage successfully with grade-level content, which is essential for providing equitable outcomes for all students.