What is the term for the temporary support a more knowledgeable other provides to help a learner reach a task they cannot yet perform independently?

What is the term for the temporary support a more knowledgeable other provides to help a learner reach a task they cannot yet perform independently?

• A. Zone of Proximal Development
• B. Observational Learning
• C. Scaffolding
• D. Secure Attachment

Answer: (C)

Scaffolding is the temporary, adjustable support a more knowledgeable other provides to help a learner perform a task they can’t yet do independently. The idea is to tailor guidance—modeling, prompts, hints, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and feedback—and then gradually fade the help as the learner gains competence. This approach operates within the learner’s Zone of Proximal Development, the range of tasks they can reach with assistance, but the actual aid described is the scaffolding itself. Observational learning focuses on learning by watching, which isn’t about guided support during a task, and secure attachment concerns the emotional bond that supports learning rather than instructional scaffolding. So scaffolding best fits the described scenario.

Scaffolding is the temporary, adjustable support a more knowledgeable other provides to help a learner perform a task they can’t yet do independently. The idea is to tailor guidance—modeling, prompts, hints, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and feedback—and then gradually fade the help as the learner gains competence. This approach operates within the learner’s Zone of Proximal Development, the range of tasks they can reach with assistance, but the actual aid described is the scaffolding itself. Observational learning focuses on learning by watching, which isn’t about guided support during a task, and secure attachment concerns the emotional bond that supports learning rather than instructional scaffolding. So scaffolding best fits the described scenario.