Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

In the context of teaching, what does scaffolding generally involve?

1. Providing additional resources for students

2. Gradually removing support as students gain independence

3. Offering constant assistance throughout the learning process

4. Setting fixed goals for student achievement

The correct answer is: Gradually removing support as students gain independence

Scaffolding in teaching refers to a support mechanism that educators use to assist students in progressively understanding and mastering new concepts or skills. The key aspect of scaffolding is the gradual removal of these supports as students develop their confidence and competence. This method allows learners to build upon their prior knowledge, becoming more autonomous learners through practice and encouragement. When teachers initially provide support—such as clues, guided practice, modeling, or breaking tasks into smaller steps—they help students tackle complex tasks that they might not be able to accomplish independently. As the students show improvement and understanding, the teacher slowly withdraws those aids. This strategy empowers students by fostering independence and encouraging self-regulation in their learning process, ultimately leading to enhanced confidence in their abilities. The focus of scaffolding is on the transition from guided assistance to independent mastery, making the choice that discusses the gradual removal of support particularly representative of the scaffolding concept. Other approaches, like providing constant assistance or setting fixed goals, do not foster independence in the same effective manner and can hinder a student's ability to solve problems independently.