FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What practice involves offering support to students to facilitate their learning process?

1. Guided Practice

2. Scaffolding

3. Differentiated Instruction

4. Peer Tutoring

The correct answer is: Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a teaching practice that involves providing temporary support to students to help them achieve higher levels of understanding and skill acquisition as they learn. This approach is based on the idea of gradually removing support as students gain independence and confidence in their abilities. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, teachers can guide students through the learning process, ensuring they have the necessary tools and strategies to succeed. This method is crucial for helping students who may struggle with certain concepts, as it allows educators to meet learners where they are and progressively build their knowledge. For instance, a teacher might start with modeling a task, then move on to guided practice, allowing students to try it themselves with the teacher's help, and finally, encourage independent practice once the students have demonstrated competency. Scaffolding is particularly effective because it fosters a supportive learning environment and encourages students to take ownership of their learning journey.