Instructional scaffolding defined

What is instructional scaffolding? Take a look at an excerpt from the Wikipedia entry for "instructional scaffolding."

Instructional scaffolding is the provision of sufficient support to promote learning when concepts and skills are being first introduced to students. These supports may include the following:

• Resources
• A compelling task
• Templates and guides
• Guidance on the development of cognitive and social skills

These supports are gradually removed as students develop autonomous learning strategies, thus promoting their own cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning skills and knowledge. Teachers help the students master a task or a concept by providing support. The support can take many forms such as outlines, recommended documents, storyboards, or key questions.