What is the primary purpose of scaffolding in education?

The primary purpose of scaffolding in education is to shift responsibility for learning from the teacher to the students. Scaffolding involves providing temporary support structures that help students build on their existing knowledge and gradually develop greater independence in their learning process. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable components, teachers can help students understand concepts more deeply and eventually take ownership of their learning. This method promotes student confidence and encourages them to apply their knowledge independently, facilitating a transition from guided learning to self-directed learning.

While enhancing teacher instruction methods, assessing student comprehension, and encouraging peer-to-peer learning can all be beneficial aspects of a teaching strategy, they do not capture the essential goal of scaffolding, which is to foster student autonomy in learning.