Scaffolding

/ˈskæf(ə)ldɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials during the construction or repair of a building.

The workers installed scaffolding around the building to safely reach the upper floors.

A system of support structures used in education to provide temporary support to learners, gradually removed as they gain independence.

The teacher used scaffolding techniques to help students understand complex concepts.

A framework or model used for organizing information or processes.

The scaffolding of the project included detailed timelines and milestones.

Middle English (denoting a scaffold used in building): from medieval Latin 'scaffoldus', from Latin 'scaffold-' (from 'scala' meaning 'ladder').

scaffolding language

Language support provided to help learners understand and produce language.

scaffolded learning

An educational approach that provides temporary support to help students achieve independence in learning.

support

The act of helping or assisting; providing resources for others.

construction

The process of building or assembling structures or systems.

education

The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.

To build up or support someone in their efforts.

She was scaffolding her friend through the tough times, offering advice and listening.

To provide backup or assistance informally.

The team was scaffolding each other with ideas during the brainstorming session.