What does it mean when scaffolding is termed as 'temporary'?

When scaffolding is termed as 'temporary,' it emphasizes that the support provided to learners is meant to be short-term and aimed at fostering their independence. The primary goal of scaffolding is to assist students in acquiring new skills or understanding concepts until they are capable of performing tasks on their own. Once learners have gained the necessary skills and confidence, the scaffolding is gradually removed, allowing them to engage with the material independently.

This intrinsic nature of scaffolding is crucial because it encourages students to become autonomous learners. By providing support that is temporary, educators can help students build resilience and competence, ultimately preparing them for future challenges without prolonged dependency on assistance.

In contrast, options suggesting that scaffolding should be permanent or limited to specific settings overlook the fundamental purpose of scaffolding in education, which is to facilitate gradual progression towards independence.