What does the concept of 'scaffolding' in reading instruction involve?

The concept of 'scaffolding' in reading instruction involves offering consistent support that is gradually removed as students gain independence. This instructional strategy recognizes that learners develop skills at varying rates and emphasizes the importance of providing assistance tailored to individual needs. Initially, instructors may provide significant support—such as guided reading, prompts, or strategies— to help students engage with challenging texts. As students become more proficient and confident, the level of support is gradually decreased, enabling them to tackle reading tasks on their own. This process enhances their autonomy and fosters critical reading and comprehension skills, which is essential for their long-term educational success.

In contrast, providing complete answers would hinder students' cognitive engagement and problem-solving skills. Gradually increasing material difficulty is a separate instructional strategy that focuses more on content progression rather than the support aspect. Creating a rigid structure for all reading activities could limit flexibility and responsiveness to students' individual learning needs, which scaffolding seeks to address.