What is an example of scaffolding in teaching a new subject?

Scaffolding in teaching involves providing support to students as they learn new concepts, gradually removing that support as they become more proficient. Offering graphic organizers and modeling key concepts exemplifies effective scaffolding because these strategies help students structure their understanding and provide a visual representation of complex information. Graphic organizers can aid in organizing thoughts, making connections between ideas, and promoting retention of new content.

By modeling key concepts, the teacher demonstrates how to approach the material, breaking it down into manageable parts, thus making it easier for students to grasp difficult topics. These approaches actively engage students in their learning process and help them build confidence and competence in their understanding before they are expected to tackle the material independently.