Correct Answer:
B. Providing temporary support to help a learner
In educational psychology, scaffolding is a teaching method rooted in Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory. It involves a more knowledgeable individual, such as a teacher or an advanced peer, providing temporary and adjustable support to a learner. This support helps the learner master a new concept or skill that they might not be able to achieve independently. The goal is to assist the student in progressing within their Zone of Proximal Development. As the learner becomes more competent, the support is gradually withdrawn, allowing them to take increasing responsibility for their own learning. This fosters independence and deeper understanding.
- Punishing wrong answers (A) is incorrect because it is a behavioral technique used to decrease unwanted actions, not a supportive instructional strategy aimed at building new skills through temporary assistance.
- Giving grades immediately (C) is a form of assessment feedback. While timely feedback is important, it does not encompass the dynamic and adjustable instructional support that defines scaffolding.
- Conducting exams daily (D) refers to the frequency of assessment. Like immediate grading, it is a measurement tool and does not describe the pedagogical process of providing guided, temporary support to facilitate learning.