Why is scaffolding an important educational strategy?

Scaffolding is an important educational strategy because it enables students to achieve independence gradually. This approach involves providing support and guidance at the beginning of a learning task and then gradually removing that support as students gain confidence and competence. It allows educators to tailor their assistance based on individual student needs, fostering a learning environment where students can explore and practice new skills without feeling overwhelmed. This method encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, as students are guided through challenges rather than being given the answers outright. Thus, scaffolding plays a vital role in helping students master concepts and become more self-sufficient learners over time.